(Summer) 2001

You know what it feels like when you know you have something missing in your life? An animal, a type of clothing, a parent maybe, or just a friend, but you don't know where to start to look for it, or who, or what it was that was missing. That was what I knew I was missing in my life. My best friend. My other half.

What happened for me to lose my best friend dreams? To know your best friend, and then one day, they totally forget you, is sad. So sad.You see them on TV every day, and in magazines. You pick it up to read what they say, and deep down you feel their fading away. The person you knew is disappearing. Until one day you won't remember them, even though they are in your heart.

Yeah, I'm sure you can guess, I'm talking about Justin. Yeah, the relative term is that we used to be friends. Best friends in fact. But that all changed when we pursued in our dreams. It's not like we don't like each other. Our last phone calls, visits, letters showed we were best friends, so it's not like we left in a bad way. We just drifted away. But, that all changes sooner than I ever imagined, and it would be all thanks to our good ol' mamas. This is about the time it all began. When I was finally reunited with my best friend.

  "Oh great, here they come!" Kiara moaned loudly.
"Come on, Kiki, give it up. Why do you always hate on Joey?" I answered, folding my arms at her childishness.
"You know why." she replied shortly.
"He didn't know you were one of the dancers." I tried defending him.
"I'd been there for 6 months!"
"You know the guys are famous. Fame gets to their heads."
"We both know they are level headed, down to earth goof balls."
"Kiki." I stressed.
"Jade, don't. Can't I hate him?"
"What if you lose your job?"

"If he comes over..."
"Kick him off his own bus?"
"It's ours, hello! On the other hand, the girls wouldn't."
"They're so in it for the scandals."
"Definitely! So, spoken to Justin?"

I shook my head.

"Briefly, until Britney called." I rolled my eyes, and straight after, Kiara sighed happily.
"God answered my prayers, now that she's gone."
"So damn annoying!"

We stopped as Joey sat down, obviously making a pit stop with the other girls before saying hi to us.

"Ladies." Joey smiled, always making you feel welcome.
"Joey." we both said, me genuinely smiling, I don't know about Kiara. His attention was fully on Kiara now.
"Kiara, you okay? I heard you sprained your ankle a little."
"Go ahead, laugh."

I sighed. I think Joey was actually worried for her. This pair!

"I wasn't going to laugh. I was going to say 'I hope it gets better.'"
"I don't. I'm your dancer for the next show."
"Really?" he answered, delighted.
"It's been up for the past 3 days." Kiara quickly glanced at me.
"I've been really busy."

Kiara sighed loudly. I think she has given up.

"Kristen, Dianna, and Annalisia are all in the living room."
"I came to see you." Joey replied.

If that wasn't the nicest thing Joey has said to her, I don't know what is.

"Oh please!" she waved him off, making Joey shake his head, and all I can do is watch and listen.
"Kiara, you should really sort out your issues."

I was ready to cut in, as Kiara began to fume.

"Yeah Kiara, are you on. Jo, no worries. She's been snappy all week."
"Try all year." Joey muttered, getting up from the couch.
"Funny, Joey, isn't there somewhere else you should be? Like, buying a personality?" Kiara answered, standing up.
"We all know you went their first, and sold the place out. But wait, you should buy another! Neither one of them seem to work!" Joey retorted.

A huge smile formed on my lips. That was the funniest thing I had heard in a long time!

"Mo-fo didn't just go there!" Kiara replied.

"Jade, Justin wanted to talk to you before the buses started moving." Joey informed me.
"Tell him I'll be there in a second." I answered.
"Bye, ladies!" he waved.
"Bye, Joey." I answered.

"He doesn't half annoy me!" Kiara started, as soon as the door shut.
"Sometimes, I think you like him...Then I don't, but you really need to stop!"
"Jade, this is Kiki you're talking to. Steal some chocolate bars from Justin."
"Now?" I cried, shocked.
"You are going to see him." she reminded me.
"Oh yeah, I really will stop talking to him if he cuts me off again."
"Just be back in time before the buses leave."
"I will, honey."
"Wait! What were you and Justin talking about?"
"Mind your business"
"You two are the one with the freaky relationship."
"Am not!" I sounded like such a baby.
"Both your mums are such close friends that he calls his real mum 'mama', and your mama 'mum'. Same with you, but he forgets you, and you became a dancer."
"That's jumbled. And anyway, that's beside the point. That was ages ago!"
"Uh-huh." she gave me the look like 'that ain't gonna convince me.'
"Kiara, I have to go." I hugged her.
"Wearing that?"
"What's wrong?"
"If you're going for the 'Ja Rule' look."

~*~*~"You told her, Joey, right?" Justin asked, checking once more.
"Yes. Stop fretting, she's coming over. Thank me though, I got a load of mouth from Kiara." Joey answered.
"You both still pissing each other off?"
"Good times. I should take her out. I do owe her one."
"I owe Jade one too. Next time we stop in town, movie everyone."
"Sounds good."
"You said Jade was coming, right?" Justin asked again, anxiously.
"And I'm here!" right on time. It seems rather goofy, that entrance.
"Jade, I didn't see you."
"Well, your back was to me. So, unless you have eyes at the back of your head, you can't see me." How goofy is that? But, it sounds cute.
"Jade, Justin, see ya!" Joey waved, jumping off the bus.
"You wanted to talk?" I asked Justin.
"Sorry for blowing you off earlier. You were about to say something?"
"Only something about the dance moves."
"What do you wanna say?"
"Do it when we get to the studios."
"Do you wanna hang around a little bit?" Justin asked.

I watched him carefully. He was being so nice, trying to put our friendship right.

"Yeah, sure." I nodded.
"Do you want anything to eat or drink?" he asked, walking to fridge.
"What you got?" I asked, following him.
"Usual, snacks, cold pizza..."
"You pick."

He glanced at me, looking quite nervous.

"Vanilla milkshake, Doritos, and Sam's chicken."

I smiled. Vanilla is my all time favourite.

"Sounds great to me." I smiled.
"Vanilla is still your favourite?"
"Yup, since we were 5."
"You're going to have to tell me what happened when I had a forgetting stage. We used to bathe with each other?"

I nodded. We bathed with each other for a very long time, and talking about it is making me blush.

"Please, don't remind me. I still have pictures!"

His head shot to me.

"You do? I can't remember." He said.
"We both changed. Went different ways."
"But our ways linked up."
"True, it did but we always have this conversation." I said, nodding.
"Okay. Anyway, you want to watch TV in the living room with the guys, or mine?"
"I don't mind." I answered, giving him the choice.

"Back, then we can catch up on old times."

I smiled, thinking about it. But, Kiara...

"Justin, when do the buses start going?"
"Soon, why?"
"I really have to stay with Kiara." I sighed, my smile wearing away.
"Okay, well..." he started going back.
"Don't worry. Just keep going down."
"Kiara." he repeated.
"I'll give her Joey, for good company"
"Joey? Are you sure? They've been down each others throats."
"Hopefully the buses will stop in the evening, otherwise I'm on the couch."
"Where are you two going?" Lance asked, coming out of his bunk.
"To munch." I laughed lightly, as his eyes widened at the amount of food.

We sat down on Justin's bed, as he turned the TV on.

"So, how you doing?" Justin asked me.
"Okay. I have to call Paul."
"Your boyfriend, right?"

I nodded.

"He's still my boyfriend."

"Do your legs hurt?" Justin asked, stretching out on the bed.
"Yes, Wade was cruel today!"

Justin laughed.

"How come the positions changed?" he asked.
"Because, in case Kiara still has a hurt ankle." I quickly made an excuse.
"They changed before."
"Oh, that swap. Angela was bitching about me being your dancer. She wants you all to herself. No biggie really."
"Well, would you like for me to massage your feet?"
"My feet?" I asked, pointing to them.
"Yeah. Showing some TLC to me very long friend."
"If you really want, go ahead."

"Umm... Jade." he stopped, looking up to me as the engines turned on.
"I know." I sat up, watching the buses start moving.

A couple of hours later...

"I have to stay and wait for the breaks."
"Jade, you're half asleep."
"Justin, Kiara!" I reminded him, yawning.
"She will understand."
"Where shall I sleep?"
"Maybe I'll lie on the floor."
"Put it like that, makes me the bad guy." I said.
"I don't want any trouble."
"There isn't any. I'm going to call Kiara, but Justin, we have slept in the same bed."
"I know."
"Good, I'm coming." I stumbled out of the room, still dog-tired. I put my hood up.

"Hello." Kiara answered her phone.
"Hi Kiara, are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine."
"Seem kinda out of breath."
"I'm just laughing at Def Jam."
"Still watching it?"
"Yup. I'm in a snappy mood."
"Is that Joey with you?"
"Yeah, in fact I haven't breathed a bad word about the red head."
"Good. He staying over?"
"Unless the buses stop. I can't wait to get to a hotel!" Kiara answered.
"I know how you feel! I'm really sorry that I didn't make it over."
"Somehow, I knew you wouldn't, it being Justin."
"Sorry again. I'll call you later. Seems to me, you're going to be up a long time."
"Especially with these girls."
"Poor Kiki!"
"Anyway, Jade, holler at me later."
"Definitely! Night.'

I smiled, flipping my phone shut. I turned around to Justin, our bodies close. I stepped back, taking a big gulp.

"Sorry to scare you." he smiled, cheekily.
"It's okay. Why are you creeping up on me, anyway?"
"No reason. You going for a gangster look?"
"No, I'm not. Even Kiara said something like that. I'm only wearing sweat pants and a grey hoodie. Do I have to wear skirts?"
"Jade..." he laughed "the look suits you, and you hate wearing skirts in the cold."
"Thank you, J."
"You're welcome, Lil J. Trying to hide the curves? Guys taking an interest?"
"Yeah, how did you know?"
"Technicians were talking about the dancers, and your name was mentioned a lot."
"I'm just a plain, old, simple dancer."
"You're far from plain. You have the cutest hazel eyes, light caramel skin, sweetest smile."

Man, he is still a charmer, and my cheeks are becoming very warm.

"Can you see me blushing?" I asked.
"Even though you are mixed race, I can see you blushing."

I laughed lightly

"Justin, can I check my emails?"
"Sure. My laptop is in my room."
"I wanna show you something." I led the way, setting up what I wanted to show him.
"What're you going on?" Justin asked, obviously confused.
"Showing you our past"
"You made a website about us?"
"I planned one day I was going to embarrass you. That was when we were teens."
"Oh, okay. Here it is."

"I'm a mouse?" Justin asked.
"You joined Mickey Mouse Club. Watch the video."
"That's you and me. Your 5th birthday." Justin pointed out.
"Uh-huh. Look, you're coming." I pointed to the small boy approaching the cake.

An hour later...

"Wait, go back."
"Omd, Justin, stop watching it."
"I can't, Jade, I hardly remember any of this. That's my first kiss. Why didn't you call?"
"You were a big, famous superstar and lil childhood sweetheart. You'd forget."
"Jade, you don't know how sorry I am!"
"Your eyes darting back and fourth at the clips has made you extremely happy. So, I'm guessing you wish you could remember this. This is just a sample. I have loads of videos." "When did we stop talking?" Justin asked.
"Mickey Mouse Club. After our first kiss. Well, not first kiss together, just our first kiss that meant so much."
"We made out?"
"You really must have lost your mind! Yes, we did. Practically all the time. We even argued with each other's mums to stop inviting the other one to sleep over, because it got awkward sleeping in the same bed. We knew each other's thoughts. We were best friends."
"Did I upset you?"
"Uh-huh. It upset me how you just forgot me."
"It wasn't intentionally!"
"I know. I still went around your house, but our paths never met."
"I promise, Jade, I won't ever leave you."
"It's okay, Justin. We gave our mums quite a shock, kissing like that. And you were my first love."
"And you were mine. So, this past year, you've kept this to yourself?"
"I had to. I couldn't bring up that I was your best friend. We would've tried to pick up where we left off."
"That was until my mum came and..."
"Introduced us." I finished, laughing.
"Kiara is gonna freak that I've told you everything!"
"She knew?"
"Yeah, she found out."
"Did we ever say the love word?"
"Meaningless at first, sine we could talk, but I think when we started dating it meant something."
"Oh, okay." Justin laid back on my shoulder, as I put the laptop away.
"Do you want anything from the kitchen?"
"Usual, hot chocolate."

I nodded
"Actually, I'll come" Justin said.

We both got off the bed, going to the kitchen.

"Justin!" I cried, as he tripped me up. I burst out laughing as I tripped up the small step to the kitchen, double tripping.
"Oh, sorry!" he laughed.

I looked for the light, turning it on.

"Omd!" I cried, as Chris screamed.
"Chris, it's me, Jade! Stop screaming." he stopped.
"You scream like a girl!"
"What's going on?" J.C asked, turning the lights on.
"Chris, why are you screaming?" Lance asked, worried, standing in just shorts. Oh what a sight! All these men in hardly anything!
"Jade!?" they all cried, with confused looks on their faces.
"Hey, guys!" I waved, noticing the awkwardness of me being on their bus.
"Well, goodnight!" Chris walked past me to his bunk, I quickly followed after.

Justin gave me something to wear, then he turned around to give me privacy.

"Done!" Justin swung around, looking at me. I smiled.
"J, I don't think Britney would like it if you stared at me like that!"
"Like what? I'm just looking." he smiled back, and we played cards on the bed.

In the studio...

"I'm tired." I yawned stretching my very tired body.
"Didn't you sleep?"
"I did, but I did not have a look at the time after I called you, and I stayed up chatting to Justin. How were you, the girls, and Joey?" I asked, knowing Kiara couldn't stand them at times.
"Okay, I guess." Kiara answered, slightly happy.
"You seem to be in a happier mood." I mentioned, to see if something did go down.

"Jade and Kiara, you can have a break now." I sighed, relieved. Me and Kiara walked to Wade.
"Wade, honey, I don't see the point in rehearsing at the moment, since the guys are delayed in sound." I shared what was on my mind.
"I don't either, but I gotta make it look like you're doing something." he answered. I nodded understanding.
"I heard the other bus was having a party." Kiara smiled, getting closer to Wade.
"Not really, just drinking and talking."
"Anything exciting?" Kiara asked.
"Nothing I can tell."
"Come on, Wade!" I whined, putting my hands together.
"Ladies, not this time. And don't batter your eyelashes at me."
"Kiara, Kiara, your ankle okay?" Joey asked, suddenly appearing out of nowhere. I watched her roll her eyes then smile fakely.
"It feels great. Actually, the doctor saw it again this morning."

He nodded.

"Jade, you're going to have to swap back again." I shot my head towards him.
"For real? Why?" I whined.
"Kiara is back."
"Not good enough, Wade!"
"I don't want you in any arguments, trust me, but I have to."

"You're defending me!" I pointed at him.
"Always, 100%."

Just as we finished, Kristen swayed herself to our group conversation.

"Wade, this really doesn't feel right. Could I practise on you?" Yeah, on him.
"Sure, Kristen. See ya." Wade waved.

"Tonight, rent a movie, get pizza, the works." Kiara offered. This will give me a chance to tell her about last night.
"Yeah, cool."
"Kiara, those better not be plans for tonight." Joey added.
"And if they were?" she answered back.
"You're turning us down?"
"No, I'm turning you down, fool!"

Joey rolled his eyes at her rudeness. I shifted back.

"Kiara, you are coming though?" Joey asked.
"And Jade." she added.
"Yeah, so pick you up at 6, maybe?"
"Maybe." she whispered.

"What are you doing here?" Justin asked, as I stood in front of him in my position.
"You got me for tomorrow's show."
"Great!"

I backed away.

"One thing straight, anything Annalisia said about making it more sexy, or put your hand here, don't you try it on me, understand?" I explained.
"Understood." Justin answered.
"Let's have some fun!" I laughed.

"Did you go to Wade to swap us back?" Annalisia asked, storming towards me.
"No, he came to see me... said it didn't look right. Sorry, Anna."
"Yeah right! Just don't get in my way tonight. Justin is my date!"

I smiled.

"I wouldn't want to intrude Anna but, isn't Justin dating Britney, your friend?" I added, smiling evilly. Try getting yourself out of that one!
"Friendly, Jade that IS the word you describe your's and Justin's fast relationship."
"Anna, it isn't fast, just catching up on the years we missed."

I turned away from her, noticing Justin coming my way.

"Jade, wait!"

Damn it!

"Huh?"
"I didn't see you when I woke up."
"I had to go to my bus."
"And what about me?"
"Morning!" I chirped happily.
"Jade." he gave me the serious look.
"What, Justin? It's not like we shared a love making night, and I left without a bye."
"No, I've had quite a few of those."

I sighed.

"Well, I haven't" I answered, not bothered.
"Not a single one night stand?"
"Justin, I'm still a virgin."
"You're a what!?" he cried. His face covered in shock and disbelief.
"Don't make me repeat it."
"But, I misheard you. You just said that your still a...you ain't had your first time?"
"Nope." I shook my head.
"Not even with Paul?"
"No."
"You sure?"
"Justin!"
"Sorry, it's hard to believe."
"That I'm waiting for the right person?"
"It's not Paul?" Ooops...
"I meant the right moment. Anyway, the papers say no sex till marriage."
"The image was put on me, and I couldn't help myself."
"Typical, Justin Timberlake!"
"Jade, I find that offensive."
"Not that, you could never help yourself! Even when we were small."
"Like when?"
"When you ruined my 3rd birthday."
"Oh, really? What did I do?"
"Fell into the cake."

Justin burst out laughing.

"That was your birthday? You were a bit of a cry baby. I've seen that video. You never stopped crying! Did you ever forgive me?"
"Of course I did. You began crying too, then you said sorry, but I wouldn't listen to you. So, you took me to the tree house, and gave me a fairy cake."
"See, I was a heart throb at 5!" Justin smiled, smugish.
"Yeah, yeah! I gotta go."
"To where?"
"Have a break."
"I'm sensing you don't want me to accompany you."
"Unless you like the ladies room. Bye."

"Hello."

I smiled, recognising the familar voice.

"Lynn, hi! How are you?"
"I'm good, what about you and Justin?"
"He knows everything." I spilled.
"Well, I'm proud of you honey. I'm sure it wasn't hard."
"It's all okay between us."
"Jade, so is Justin really behaving?"
"He's keeping low key."
"Good."
"Are you talking to my Mama?" Justin asked.

I froze. How do I tell Justin I sometimes call his mama, my Mom?

"Jade, sweetie, let me explain to him."
"If you're sure."
"I'm sure. You behave also, and keep up the good work. Sometimes I watch you more than watching the both of you."
"Aww, Lynn! It's good to know you love me."
"I love you always, Jade."
"Love you too! Bye."

I handed the phone to Justin, avoiding his eyes.

"Mama..." he started.

A few minutes later...

"Here you go." He gave me his phone, with a slight smile to his face.
"So...?"
"She told me how you talk, like every week, and the auntie I call 'Mom' is your mama."
"Uh-huh. How do you feel?"
"Okay, I guess."
"I didn't know when to tell you about me and your mom."
"I understand. Your mom, she raised me. I call her all the time."
"If it makes you feel uncomfortable me knowing your family, I will back off."
"Jade, you're like my little sister. How could you?"

He had a point.

"Are you okay?"
"I'm great. Honestly."
"If you're sure. We gotta do this routine again."
"What are you doing afterwards?"
"Shopping with Kiara. You can come if you want." I offered.
"I wouldn't want to intrude."
"You wouldn't. I'll ask her, and she will say yes, then you can come."
"Jade, it's okay. I'll just be going back to the bus."
"But that ain't healthy. Look..." I trailed off, as Kiara came towards me.
"Jade, I'm going to cancel." Kiara announced.
"What? Why?" I asked.
"My ankle needs all the resting it can get, and knowing you, we're going to walk miles. Better buy me a banging skirt."
"I will." I replied, down.
"Go with Justin."
"Yeah, but, Kiki..."
"You're so whiney. I can't go." she sighed, laughing.
"I heard, rudey!"
"Ja rule!"
"One time, I wore a tracksuit! It was cold!"
"Yeah, okay. I need to find butt-head."
"Joey. His name is Joey."
"Jade, I am free to call the little chicken red head what I like. Bye guys!"

I turned to Justin, giggling at Kiara.

"Still up for shopping?" Justin asked me.
"Crap, I gotta go change."
"Jade, can't you go like that?"
"No. It's cold."
"At least you don't stink."
"This dance workout has been minor, that's why." I grabbed my bag, walking out with Justin, and Lonnie behind.
"I promise I won't look."
"Justin, you better not look. I will pull out your curls!"
"Little of them can't do me harm."
"Baby, then you won't be making any children in the future." I told him, getting in the back. "Jade, has anyone told you, that you have a dark side?"
"Uh-huh, you did. And you have one too."
"Yeah, whatever, Lil J. What do you want for Christmas?"
"I dunno. I always sent a card. What do you want, B.J?"
"I wouldn't mind one of those."
"What's that?"
"What you said."
"Eww, Justin, that's wrong!"
"You said it."
"Justin, that's nasty!"
"I've stopped thinking about it."
"You did space out when we were smaller."
"Calling me an airhead with blonde hair?"
"Precisely!"

The car stopped, and we got out.

"This is a good place to shop." Justin pointed out.
"Yeah."
"So, where to first?"
"Kiara's skirt, then my stuff."

He began turning his head towards me.

"Don't you dare!" I warned.
"Fine, I won't." he laughed.

Later...

"Justin. you have ice-cream on your nose."
"I do?" he tried wiping his nose, but completely missed it.
"Here." I got a tissue, and wiped it off for him.
"Waffles and ice cream are so nice, especially your mom's."
"Our moms are joint at the hip."
"They adore each other."

Justin and me began to laugh, gently.

"Can't wait to go back to Orlando for Christmas." Justin shared with me.
"You going this year?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Well, I was there last year. In fact, all the years you weren't. And all the years you were there, I spent with other family."
"Well I'm going alone, without Britney. Do you like Britney?"
"Yeah, of course I do. I was ecstatic to hear I'm one of her dancers for the joint tour. It's a dream come true!"
"Total opposite, right?"
"Yeah, but...she has great...fingernails!"
"Fingernails?"
"Yup. Gotta love 'em."
"Who're you staying with in Orlando?" Justin asked.
"Mom. I would buy a place, but there ain't no point with touring and everything." I answered.
"Come stay with me."
"No thanks...with Britney?"
"She's passing by Christmas Eve."
"Still, stay with you? Why do you even want me there?"
"'Cause you're my best friend, and you can never say 'no' to my eyes."

I looked up to him, as he gave me the puppy dog look. Note to myself: Practise in the mirror how to say 'no'. I nodded.

"It will be cool! Movies..."
"MOVIES! What's the time?" I just remembered, this was meant to be quick!
"Almost 5."
"Justin, we have to go!"
"The movie is at 7." he answered, obviously not knowing how long I take.
"And, I still need to buy jeans!"
"Wear what you have."
"No, 'cause they're ass-shaking jeans, and they're tight."
"Who said we might not go clubbing?"
"Fine, but go!" I left money, since Justin didn't carry loose change.
"Hey, Jade, if they're gone already, you could always change in my car." he whispered closely, in my ear.
"You're such a damn flirt!" I told him, folding my arms.

I rolled my eyes, as his eyes wandered, and followed the group of ladies walking past.

"Justin!" I hit his stomach, playfully.
"Can you have our bags ready in mine and Jade's room please?" Justin asked the bodyguard.

~*~*~"Looking for you, but Kiara just said you weren't here."
"Were you two fighting again?" I asked, folding my arms.
"Yeah. She got big issues."
"I HEARD THAT BABOON!" Kiara cried from the bathroom.
"At least I'm not named after a character in Lion King!"
"Joey, that ain't even funny!" Kiara said, walking out of the bathroom.
"Kiki, you got your hair cut!"
"I got bored resting. A guy in hair gave me a new look."
"A really bad one." Joey muttered.

I sighed.

"Tonight, your feud is finishing. Ended! Okay?" but they didn't answer.
"Joey, I ain't kicking you out, but I gotta change."
"Okay, I'll see ya'll in a bit."
"Just go!" Kiara cried.

"Kiara, honestly, I've never seen people like you argue like you and Joey do! On TV, it ends up the two having rough, passionate, anger sex."
"Me and Joey? You're bloody mad!" she laughed.

Later

"I knew it wouldn't be cold." Kiara repeated, as we sat down in the theatre.
"Well, I didn't buy it too short in case. Still, it looks good." I told her, looking at it briefly.
"My hair is so wavy, now it's cut."
"Mine's still long with my crop fringe." I stroked my fingers through it.
"Jade, your jeans are hot, and shoes. You know we're going movies and dinner?"
"I know, but I can still look great."
"Ahem, Paul!" Kiara coughed.
"Kiara, it's just an evening out."
"Poor guy, can't get to you." Kiara looked over to my right.

The movie theatre was packed. The whole of the tour crew was here, along with quite a lot of guards. Justin was obviously trapped with the other gold-digging females. The film had started, but me and Kiara were cracking jokes to each other. We did want to watch the film. It was new, but now we just wanted to get away from here, and do something else.

"Come on, Jade. We gotta check out the arcade."
"Finished popcorn!" I said, reading her mind about an excuse.
"'Kay, munch, Jade, munch!" she said laughing.

Once we had finished, we stood up, obviously not having to explain to anyone.

"Dance machine! You got 50 cents?" I asked Kiara.
"Does it look like it?"
"No, stupid question. I have 10 dollars. Ask a kid for change."

We got our change, and put our coins in, taking our shoes off.

"We are so bad at it!" I laughed, trying to get the steps.

We stopped laughing as we heard someone cough behind us.

"Lonnie, Mike, James, Jermaine, it's okay. We found them... No, they're not hurt." Chris said, talking to his phone.
"We were worried. We didn't see you down at the popcorn queue." Lance said, making me feel guilty.
"We're sorry, if we got you worried." Kiara said, her face falling.
"Everyone is looking for you."

I turned to Justin, who was looking straight at me, in the eye.

"Bunch of liars!"
"Who gave it away?" Joey whined.
"Obviously, Justin. Jade can easily read through him." Chris groaned.
"So, you came to the arcade?" Chris said like an investigator. We nodded our heads.
"Hey, what about you?"
"Same, but you guys suck at the game." Joey laughed, looking at our scores.
"Sorry, Mr expert!"
"No, I'm the expert." J.C pushed his way forward, inserting money.
"And me!" Chris jumped on.

I walked toward Justin.

"Jade, hey."
"Hi Justin."
"I've been trying to talk to you."
"I know. I'm just going outside for air."
"I should go with security, but okay."
"So, what was your excuse?"
"Johnny wanted a quick conference call in an office." Justin informed me, standing against the wall.
"Justin, 20 to 30 girls, running this way!" I whispered, a bit panicky.
"Shit!"
"J, you got one second to do something!"

He gazed at me, and simultaneously, we put our hoods up, closing them in. Justin leaned more in, pushing me back on the wall more. Man, it's dark, and there is no air, and getting hotter. I can feel every breath of Justin's on my face. he smelt so vanillary.

"Justin." I whispered, reaching my hand up to his face.
"Oww, poke me!" he laughed.
"I was seeing where your face was. They're standing right behind you."
"Get a room!" someone shouted, making me and Justin burst out laughing.
"Can you hear Mike?"
"Uh-huh. How are you going to get in?"

Looking up though, I couldn't see Justin. our lips brushed lightly, and there was a long silence.

"Can you get your cell?"
"Yeah it's here." I brought it out, brightening our little space. I gazed at Justin, as he gazed back at me.
"If you can, call Mike."

I nodded.

"Hello."
"Jade, I'm really busy."
"I know, the fans. Me and Justin are outside, unable to get in."
"Justin, as in white-boy Justin, with blonde hair?"
"Yeah."
"Why the...Why the heck would he go outside with no security?"
"I dunno. We could reveal ourselves, and rush in, causing commotion, or stay where we are, or go down the street, but he is very likely to be seen."
"I hear ya, Jade. I'm going to you. Wait, I'll push them back."
"'Kay Mikey." I closed my phone.

"So, we wait?" Justin asked me.

My head shot down to my phone ringing.

"Is it Mike?" I shook my head.
"No. Paul."

"Hey baby!" I answered, it sounded quite fake, and forced.
"Hi. I haven't spoken to you in ages!"
"The past day, Paul."
"I miss you. It gets lonely, sitting by myself."
"I wish I could be there with you."
"What you doing now?"
"Standing, stuck outside the movies."
"You went out with Kiara?"
"And the whole crew."
"Treating you well?"
"I guess, 'cause of Christmas."
"You sure it isn't your new-founded relationship with the blonde white-boy from the past?"
"I'm sure, Paul. Is there something wrong with me being friends with Justin?"
"No, there isn't anything wrong with you being friends. There's something odd about the friendship."
"Paul, it's my friendship."
"I know. Soon, I'll be there watching you..."
"Watching me? I don't need watching. Hello, I'm 19! What's up with that?"
"Jade, calm down. I was going to...uh, Kiara. She still arguing with Joey?"
"Yes, she is."
"Jade, you still mad?"
"We'll talk tomorrow."
"I love you, Jade."
"I know. Bye."

I stared at my phone, sighing. I should apologise about Paul, but Justin is being pulled by Mike, and I'm linking arms with Lonnie. I found Justin by the cars.

"Kiara, you got 50 cents?" I asked.
"Yeah, did you two fight or something?"
"I can't explain."
"Here."
"Thanks."

I sat down next to Justin, inserting my money into the game machine.

"Justin, I'm sorry about Paul."
"I know, but it's not you who should be apologising."
"Being stuck in his place gets to his head."
"I hope." Justin replied, making me laugh.
"So, doesn't he like us being friends?"
"Basically, no. What about Britney?"
"She don't like it either."
"Hate it..." Justin started.
"Or love it." we both finished, concentrating on the game.
"Jade, we gotta go." Kiara said.
"Go where?" I asked, very confused.
"The movies, duh! We're still gone."
"Oh yeah. Justin?"
"Go. We're gonna chill in here." Justin replied.
"'Kay. Bye guys!" I waved.
"Kiara, say bye to Joey." I instructed her.
"Bye Joey." she said, in a forced voice.
"Later, Kiara."

After the movie...

"We sat in the back. It's more fun." I explained to Dianna, and the rest of the girls.
"You riding in our car?"
"Actually, we're going to take a cab."
"Suit yourself." Kristen answered, going ahead to the rented car.
"What did you do that for? The cab is gonna take ages!"
"Justin told me to wait." I told her, pointing to the guys not far ahead.
"Oh." she said, following me.
"So, you came then?" Chris smiled.
"Yeah. Though, I'm sure you want a lady on your arm."
"Hint, hint."
"Of course, Chris! All you gotta do is ask."
"Well, you have a man, but I'm only escorting."
"Totally understandable." I laughed, resting back on the fence.
"Joey and Kiara then." J.C slipped.
"If I have to." she groaned, making everyone laugh.
"We best get going." JC mentioned.

J.C got into the car.

"Kiki, no arguing!"
"Got it."

We quickly hugged and got in the separate cars.

At dinner...

"Would you like a separate table?"
"No." Justin answered.
"Yes." I replied at exactly the same time as Justin.
"Jade, do you want to sit with us?"
"Yes, but I can't, Justin."
"Shall we put you next to each other?"
"Thank you." I smiled.

I followed the waiter, sitting at my table, with Kiara.

"Jade, why didn't you come sit with us?" Justin asked, next to me.
"Justin, I'm having to explain all the time that me and you are friends, with comments you probably know. We hardly used to talk. You never even acknowledged my presence sometimes, and now it's like we can't get away from each other. Keeping a small distance ain't that bad." I explained to Justin.

Sadly, I never thought me being Justin's friend would be so much trouble.

"I was looking forward to eating with you, so you could get to know the guys."
"I will, Justin. In time. I'm spending Christmas with you."
"Paul." he muttered.
"Sugar, honey, ice-tea!"
"What?"
"If he knew I'm spending it with you, he'd go mad!"
"Are you spending it together?" Justin asked.
"He wants to, but I told him I'm going to Orlando."
"It's okay."
"No, I'm spending Christmas with you, so we got all that time to spend!"

I smiled, but in the back of my head I knew I had to somehow break it to Paul.

"What you ordering?" Justin asked, smiling.
"Not sure." I answered nonchalantly, picking up the menu.
"Well, go all out. It's my treat."

He waited for me to pick something, but still, I was searching.

"Come back to you in a minute." I told him.

Our tables were right next to each other with a gap so someone could pass, that's it. So, I was basically sitting next to Justin. So much for space!

"You having fun?" Justin asked later in the dinner.
"Yes, Justin. Now go ask your guests, you know, everyone in the tour you invited besides me." I tried shooing him away, but he didn't nudge, just stared at me.
"I already have, so you can't complain."

'Cheek! He's one step ahead.' I thought.

"I'm not complaining." I pouted.

"Kiara, you want to come back to our bus?" Chris asked Kiara, just before we hopped into the cab.
"Yeah, sure. What's going on?" she asked.
"Nothing much yet." he shut the door, then went.

Everyone was standing outside the buses, saying their thank yous and byes, before jumping back onto their own buses.

"Joey and Kiara seem to be getting on fine." Lance commented, in the lounge area.
"10 bucks it lasts 'till the end of the evening." Chris bet.
"20, a few hours." J.C laughed.
"50, next 5 minutes." Lance said, smiling as J.C and Chris looked at him oddly.
"DEAL!" They shook hands.

"Joey, you're so damn annoying! Get out my face!"

You could hear the shouting coming from the kitchen.

"It was a joke!" Joey tried to defend himself, from what I could hear.
"I'm not laughing!"
"You're not human. You have no sense of humour!"
"You can't tell a joke, that's it!"
"I don't know why I thought you were a'ite!"
"I am, just not to you!"

"Pay up, guys!" Lance laughed, holding his hands out for his well deserved cash.
"I lost 50 in less that 5 minutes!" J.C groaned.
"They're such a funny pair."
"It's kind of quiet." Chris said, obviously not realising what he meant.

We all jumped up, rushing to the kitchen all wide-eyed, as we watched Joey and Kiara kissing against the fridge. We walked away, knowing we'd seen enough.

"Lance, I want my money back!" Chris put a hand on his hip.
"Why? I won it fair and square."
"They're getting on fine!"

Chris laughed, as we all joined in, suddenly stopping as Joey and Kiara walked back in, sitting away from each other.

"Still arguing?" Justin asked, smiling.
"No, 'cause if I do, I end up a butt-head like him!"
"Keep talking, motor mouth!"

~*~*~"Pops, they're out." J.C laughed, as Chris looked at me and Kiara sleeping on the couch.
"We're in trouble tomorrow morning."
"It's so late" Lance yawned, quietly.

I woke up slowly to Justin walking me to my bed on my bus.

"Night Kiara." he said to Kiara, as J.C put her in her bed.
"Goodnight." she mumbled, turning over.

"Goodnight Jade." he whispered, kissing my forehead.
"Night Justin."

"Did you hear, next state we're staying in a hotel?" Kiara informed me "Finally get to actually unpack one of my suitcases!"
"I know what you mean." We dumped our stuff in the bedroom.

I looked at my phone, noticing I had a text.

Your mom called. She wanted to talk to you.
She told me to tell you she says hi and hopes you're well.
Talk to ya l8r. Guys say hi. We're going to a meeting.
Justin xxx
Call me, so I can tell ya what yo mama said.

I laughed at the message, giving the phone to Kiara.

"I have to remember that Justin's mom is like your second mom, and your mom is like Justin's second mom."
"It's not like it is. We're a big family, sort of."
"Come on, I got the blanket, you get the ice cream."

We sat down in the lounge.

"So, what's up?"
"Paul and Justin."
"What about them?" Kiara asked.
"I'm spending Christmas with Justin."

Kiara's face fell. I knew I wasn't over reacting! There was something not right, and not wrong, with me spending the holidays with Justin.

"Oh." "What's wrong with it?" I asked, slightly desperate.
"Kind of soon."
"Let me explain. I'm sleeping at Justin's place. It's not just us two. It's my mom, and his mom, and what other family members. It's just this year we are both going to be there."
"See, when you say Christmas with Justin, I think just the two of you. You're going to have to explain to Paul what you just said to me...So, what's your problem?"
"Paul don't like Justin at all."
"Well, he has to deal with it. Justin is part of you. Quite a big part."
"I wish I could say that."

1996...

"Curly!" Jade whined, walking faster.
"Maddy!"
"I have a curfew."
"I know. I'll explain to your mom, but she might ground me too." Justin laughed lightly.

"We're almost at your house." Justin looked over ahead, to my house. "Maddy."
"Justin, it's Jade." I told him, making a goofy face.
"I like Maddy."
"But it's Madison."
"I've called you Maddy since you were 7, and now you're 13."
"And before that, you called me Jade. One day, I might just call you Randall. Randy Randall." Jade laughed as Justin screwed his, face making pretend sick noises.

"It ain't that bad."
"It's really bad."
"That's your dad you're dissing!"
"What he don't know can't hurt him."

Finally making Jade's house, Justin and Jade smiled, relieved.

"Are you coming in?" Jade asked. It was very likely he would.
"Later, so I can finish some homework, genius."
"I ain't a genius."
"I almost failed math, if it wasn't for you, Maddy. You are my life support."
"Life support?" Jade repeated, finding it quite amusing.
"Yeah. Without you, I'm plain; it's all just a front to most people. One day, you never know, we might not know each other. If that ever happened, I'd never be the same person. Only you would know the real me."
"Justin, I don't like this conversation."
"Neither do I. Anyway, I'll check you later." he answered cheerfully, brightening Jade's mood.
"Bye." Jade turned around, walking up the driveway.
"Maddy, wait!"
Jade shot around. "Yeah?"
"Can I get one more kiss?"
"We were just making out. That's why I'm late!"
"Please?" Justin asked, pouting.
"What if my mom sees?"
"I was checking your teeth."
"Quickly."

Justin smiled ear to ear, leaning in slowly. Jade's heart jumped, and her breath, there didn't seem to be any there. Ever since Justin showed Jade how to kiss she had only kissed him, and in their world they were boyfriend and girlfriend, outside they were best friends. Jade pulled away, gasping for breath. She stumbled, carrying her bags.

"You okay?" Justin asked, worry written all over his face.
"I'm fine."
"I'll slow it down next time." he assured Jade. It did scare him sometimes, Jade was just 13 whilst he was 15.
"See you later." Jade waved, walking towards the door.
"Bye Maddy."

"Jade, wake up! Or stop daydreaming."

I was startled, falling off the couch. I pulled the blanket from over my head, still on the floor.

"What happened to Kiara?" I asked.
"I don't know. I saw you lying here." Justin answered. "Oh." "Anyone I know?" he asked, smiling.
"You know, thing is, how do you know?"
"Instinct. Anything good?"
"Us shopping. This time around Christmas."
"Ah-huh."
"What are you doing here?" I asked, standing up.
"I wanted to look at your curtains."
"You like?"
"Don't know. Ain't a curtain person."
"I guess you came to see me. How's my mama?"
"She's good."
"Can't wait to get to a hotel."
"Yeah. Endless games of rock, paper, scissors to see who is sharing with whom. Oh yeah, your mama wanted to know when you were going to Orlando?"
"You told her everything, right?"
"Yes, and then she worried about our health, and if we are eating well, like she does."
"Aww, what else did ya'll talk about?"
"She told me how to do pasta, and that it's good for me. We had a long talk about everything."
"Jade Madison Wilson." he smiled.
"Oh no!" I groaned. Please don't say Maddy!
"Maddy."
"Justin, please!"

~*~*~(Justin's perspective)

"I am not sharing a room with Chris!" I groaned.

This was a nightmare coming true! I have managed to worm myself out of one of these situations, where I would have to share a room with a guy who brings a different woman into the place.

"Juju, I'm not that bad!" Chris smiled, putting an arm over my shoulder. I considered it for a split second.
"J.C, PLEASE!" I begged, as if my life depended on it.
"No. I shared a room with him back in...back in..."
"Back in...?" I said, waiting for a state.
"I just remember, I did."
"Lance?" I pouted.
"Timberlake, I need my rest." Lance shook his head, yawning to add on the emphasis.
"Jade is right next to you." he added.
"Is she?" I asked.
"Yes."
"Where is she now?"
"Her room knocked out asleep, she said she wasn't feeling well, and please don't disturb her, unless it's an emergency."

"J.C can you do me a favour?"
"Like what?"
"Can you take my bags to my room?"
"What? Take them yourself, you lazy bugger!"
"Please?"
"You owe me one!"
"Thanks man!" I jogged to Jade's room, knocking and entering.

"Jade?"
"You loud mouthed idiot, didn't you get the message?" she groaned.
"Yes." I smiled, sitting on the bed.
"Then why you in here waking me up?"
"What's up? Why you so mad all of a sudden?"
"PMS!" she cried, rolling over, then sitting up putting her hair in a bun. "Pass me my skirt, please?" she asked.

I stood up, looking at the two on the chair.

"Which colour?"
"Justin!" she moaned, getting up in a long t-shirt. "Oh."

I turned around, looking back for a quick peek at her toned caramel thighs. She sat back on the bed, in her fluffy Eskimo slippers.

"So, what do you want?"
"To take care of you."
"Oh really?"
"Yeah. You sit back, while I get all the stuff I need." I told her, leaving the room briskly.

10 minutes later...

"You took your time!"
"I never knew you could be so feisty."
"Now you know!"

I rolled my eyes, laughing. "Toast?"

She picked it up daintily, studying it.

"When you said toast, I was thinking jam, marmalade. Not dry, crispy, dry, did I mention dry?"
"Yes, twice. It's good for you."
"Do I get coke?"
"Nope. Water, and a couple of magazines." I laughed.
"It ain't funny. I'm puking ice-cream. Just imagine when this comes up!"
"It won't, so eat up like a good girl."
"I'm telling our moms!"
"Not if I tell them first."
"You're the mean one."
"I'm taking care of you."
"Giving me crap? Oh, the pain, mommy!"
"I've never known anybody to be so melodramatic, beside myself and Chris."
"Thanks!"
"You're welcome. Do you want me to ease the pain?" I asked.

She looked at me confused and blank.

"Don't look at me like that! I was going to give you a massage! Anyway, why did you look at me like that? Does Paul give you special treatment?"
"No he doesn't."
"You think real low of me."
She smiled, "Well you have been titled 'Justin Trousersnake', or have you not heard that one over from Britain?"
"That's because people like to talk about my package." I said openly.She stared at me, open mouthed.
"Ahh, Justin, that is so dirty! Wait 'till I tell mom. Both of them!"

I laughed lightly, she must be delirious!

"So, come on Justin, tell me."
"Tell you what?"
"Is Britney a virgin?"
"Heck, no! Britney, a virgin? That is funny!"
"So, why is she saying no sex before marriage?"
"You're gonna have to ask her. I'm just going along with it."
"And you going along with it has made you look like a virgin."
"Ahh well, they can think I'm sweet, innocent Justin."

She burst out laughing.

"Innocent? When you have girls coming in and out of your hotel room?" she suddenly stopped, probably realising what she said. "That's none of my business, but Justin, why are you cheating on her?"
"I can't bring myself to do that, but she was cheating on me. She could still be."
"What? With who?"
"Does it matter?"
"I guess not, but how do you know?"
"She told me, loving every second, as I said I would forgive her. She can screw Colin Farrell! She just wants my money, but I still love her. Your mom knows."
"I thought so. Are you mad at me for bringing it up? You can't stay mad at me...NASA."
"OHH Jade!"
"What? It's cute."
"You haven't told anyone have you?"
"And break the clubhouse rules, NASA?"
"Shut up! I remember you wanting to be Tinkerbell!"
"So? That was cool, me wanting to be a fairy. Calling NASA stud. I can't believe you made me call you that!"
"What can I say? I could win you around easily."
"Could is the word. You couldn't now."
"Give me a chance. I'm trying to get to know you, well, the adult you."
"What about me? I don't know this Justin."
"Course you do. You can read my mind easily."
"That is a gift you've allowed me to do. You know me more than you let on, and it will take time."
"And I'm the older one!" I pouted, watching her laugh gently. "So, Maddy..."

She stopped abruptly, looking at me innocently.

"Stop looking at me like that!"

She glanced at me shocked. "Like what?"
"Innocent looking."
"Maybe because I am innocent. I'm pure...I can't die in Scream, because I'm still a virgin. A virgin!" she sang. At least she was proud.
"You don't look like one."
"Thanks, it's nice to know I look like a hoe." she laughed lightly.
"No, your body language seems like you've had sex, that's all."

She turned, slightly blushing

"I have sex appeal." she said, softly laughing.
"I'm proud of you."
"So you should be, Trousersnake." she laughed even more. "These pills have made me high!"
"You okay though?"
"Stop fussing. You're just like your mom!"
"Thank you."

She stopped, giving me weird looks.

"Pardon? You hate it when your mama fusses. I hate it when your mama fusses!"

I cocked an eyebrow up. This woman REALLY knew me, in and out.

"What did I do the first two years of my life without you?"
"Well, let's see. You were very picky. Didn't let anyone touch you, or come near you. 'Till I came along, you were free to jump in mud."

20 minutes later...

I came back with a hot water bottle.

"Thanks."

I sat beside her on the bed, resting against the headboard.

"No problem. So, what was my locker combination?" I asked her. She can't know this can she?
"I can't believe you actually want to go through with this quiz."
"Hurry up. If you don't know..."

"Of course I do. I was made to go in there." She wrote it down.
"Birthplace...Orlando?" I asked, not sure.
"Tennessee, you fool! I just don't have the accent, thank goodness. I can't believe you didn't get that! We first moved to Orlando, then you later, because you were doing talent shows." she sighed.

I chuckled softly I couldnÕt believe Jade was also born in Tennessee.

"Good ol' Southern gal."
"Bad Southern boy." She peered over at me.
"You got the family bit right, except for the dad." she shrugged.
"What happened to your dad?" I asked. She didn't have to answer.
"Remarried, like yours."

I looked at her bewildered. She has gone through basically what I have. She lives in a single parent home. She's the only child, like me. Our moms are similar. We are so living a double life!

"Do you see him?"
"When we stop by New York, he comes to see me sometimes, but anyway..." she looked over again shaking her head "I never had a cat; it was a fish until you killed it."
"ME?" I cried. I don't remember me being an animal killer!
"Yes, YOU electricuted poor Tubby!"
"How?"
"You and your singing. You dropped a cable inside. And you almost ran over J.J!"
"Who? Our dog?" I asked, remembering I had a dog. "J.J from our initials." I whispered.
"Yeah."
"I loved that dog"
"Sure didn't show it!"
"We had a dog."
"You got it for me on my 12th birthday. The best present ever. Our own dog."

I watched her out of the corner of my eye, as she began to get sleepy, 'till she fully fell sound asleep.

6am... (Jade's perspective)

Bloody hell, I must have had a long sleep because I feel drowsy normally. I'm jumpy and ready, but I'm too lazy. And who has their arm over me so heavily? I lifted it up, flinging it over to them. I sat up slowly.

"Justin." I whispered, waking him up.

I kneeled on the bed, shaking him. I got out of the bed, pulling the blanket up, looking at Justin's feet. I pulled the socks off, tickling his feet.

"Jade, I'm trying to sleep."
"It's almost 6. We gotta be out by 7." I tickled his feet again.
"Alright, I'm awake! Hold on, how did you know how to wake me up?"
"I'm the one that discovered it."

I opened up my bag, getting my bathroom things out.

"Justin, I'm using the shower." I looked up to the door closing. I was just about to use that! "Justin, I was going in first!"
"I'm in now!" he replied back. I rolled my eyes.

I dumped my things back on the floor, making a decision to get Justin's clothes.

I sat crossed legged on the bed, facing the bathroom door. I was ready to have a go at him for taking so long, since I was supposed to be the first in. The door opened and Justin came out, along with steam to follow.

"Take your time!" I muttered.
"Trust me, I can spend MUCH longer!"
"That's my towel, and I know that smell...YOU, you used my special Vanilla shower creme!"
"I hope you don't mind." he laughed. I avoided looking at his body, and stared him straight in the eye. Getting off the bed, I walked into the bathroom

"Where's my towel?" I cried, coming back out, standing in front of Justin, whipping the towel of his naked body. I turned around so I wouldn't see any body parts. I'd never seen on a male adult storming back to the bathroom.

I leaned on the door, laughing. I couldn't believe I did that. The guy was butt naked...but serves him right for using my things!

Humming a tune to myself, I lay, having a relaxing bath.

"Jade!" Justin cried, opening the door.
"Justin!" I also cried. His hand immediately covered his eyes.
"Sorry! Really sorry! I thought you were finished. SHIT I'M REALLY SORRY!" he stressed, apologising.
"GET OUT!" I cried, grabbing my towel.
"Oh, right." and he shut the door, leaving.

~*~*~It must've been record time for me. I changed quickly into clothes, still with rosy cheeks. I avoided Justin. He could A, make the situation really embarrassing, or B, start joking about it.

"Sorry bout that, Jade."
"So you should be."
"It was an accident."
"For some reason, I think it wasn't. You were hoping for me to still be in the bath, so that you could embarrass me for the rest of my life."
"Did it work?"
"YES! I can't believe you!"
"Well, you shouldn't strip me of my only piece of clothing." he said, walking closer to me.
"It was mine."
"Just like the door handle is mine."
"Whatever, Justin."
"Jade, I noticed something."
"That I was naked?"
"Besides that."
"What?"
"You have a lil birthmark on your left breast."
"I don't." I shook my head.
"Shall we check?" his hands went to my top. I immediately stepped back.
"It's not on my left, it's on my right, and I think that's enough talking about each others' body parts."
"If you say."
"I do. Now look at the time. We have to have breakfast to go...Oh, by the way it's your fault."
"Whatever you say, Tinkerbell."

I rolled my eyes at him, getting my sports bag, and leaving the hotel room.

"I was just about to get you." Mike said, turning right back around to lead the way.
"I'm on time."
"For once. I think you should stay with Jade, she seems to make sure you're ready on time."
"I think I should too." he smiled, nudging me.
"I don't. Do you know how annoying this man is? He takes your soaps, uses your towel, and walks in on you whenever he wants."
"Oh, how I've heard the rest of the guys say the exact same thing."
"But I also make the bed."

I opened my mouth to argue, but then remembered how the bed was made.

"Room service, Jade. One of his specialities." Mike laughed.
"Oh come on, Mike. You couldn't let her think I made it...anyway, at least I picked up the phone."
"I had no idea how LAZY you are! I'm going to have a great day telling mama about this. They're gonna fix you up sharpish."
"OH Jade, you know what they can be like!" Justin whined.
"I know. That's why I'm going to have a fun day watching."

A couple of Days before Christmas 2001
New York - Afternoon

I sat in the arrivals area for Justin, after hearing that I made a quick pit stop to New York to get my little sister for the holidays, he made it a reason for him to come and make sure I was alright, and of course our moms thought it was him being the big brother, but I KNEW deep down he just wanted to get on my last nerve before Christmas. Oh yeah, he got put into shape when it accidentally slipped the man doesn't do his own washing anymore. And like I said it was a fun day watching, but Justin made it a promise he was going to get me back.

I hadn't seen my dad for almost a year, so I didn't know 100% my true feelings towards him, and if Justin should be caught up. My dad, he's got a pretty good life...pretty is an understatement. Moving to New York has given him what he always wanted, a pay check with six zeros at the end.

Of course, in the process, he had a family with one the same age as me who was kept a secret. 14 year old Cassie, and 8 year old Emma, and of course, his wife. There's more to tell but I feel Justin's presence right behind me.
"Tinkerbell."
"Justin, take any longer."
"I can take MUCH longer if you really want."

1 1/2 days, me and Justin are spending with my dad's family.

We walked outside to the parking lot.
"My dad got his driver to drive me here."
"You know I've been given a car?"
"Yes, get in," Justin's bodyguard packed the boot and we sat in the Bentley.

I have to talk to Justin about my dad's family before we get there, but how?
"Very nice of your dad."
I rolled my eyes, smiling. Justin knew exactly what kind of dad I had, but at least he was being kind. "Yeah, I guess you had a chat to mama."
"Oh yeah, we had a very nice chat the three of us."
I laughed lightly, but still I didn’t know what to say.

We got through the gates to the front of the house. Thankfully, they had all gone out to party so the house was really to ourselves.

"Welcome Miss Hart," I got introduced the maid.
"Hey Sophia, my dad isn’t in yet is he?" I asked, checking.
"He's not expected for a few hours," she informed me.
"Okay, thanks. This is Justin Timberlake," I introduced her to Justin.

"Why did you say my last name?"
"She won't call you Justin, just Mr. Timberlake." We entered the lift to go upstairs.

"This is our place," I waved a hand to our part of the house.
"You stay in this big place on your own?"
"Cassie sneaks to see me. Anyway, Mike can stay there, and you're there, and I'm here. We have a bathroom each. Don't worry about cleaning or anything, there's people to do it."
"I've tried doing it myself, but they seem to get there first," Justin nodded.

~*~*~*~"Well, Justin, what do you think?" I asked, sitting on the bed with him.
"He has a very nice place."
"I guess. Thanks for coming."
"You're welcome, but you know there's going to be even more drama because I'm here. You know, me not getting on with Lucas, Cassie loving *Nsync, your dad despising me."
"Oh, yeah, I know about all that. Less than two days, we'll be out of here."

"So, what's first?"
"Settling you, and pissing my dad off."
"See, I would go along with that, if we were our rebellious teens."
"Hmhm. We being here gives him a headache anyway."

"Well it's New York, and I know every time you come here you never have a good time 'cause you center around your family, so come, we're going out," he stood up.
"Woah, Justin," I said, gaining my balance and standing up too. "Like this?" I said, looking at myself in my comfortable clothes.
"The way I like it," he smiled.

~*~*~*~We quietly opened the door, hushing each other whilst giggling.

"Evening Miss Hart, Mr. Timberlake."
"Sophia, I don't know how you do it. Is my dad home?"
"No, but Lucas is."
I immediately straightened up, as did Justin. He was the secret love child which caused my dad to lie and leave. I used to hate Lucas. I blamed him for my dad leaving. Him and Justin never got along. At a couple of my birthdays, Justin would defend me and end up having a punch up with Lucas, which links to why my dad doesn’t like Justin. Another reason as to why he doesn't like Justin is because of his success. He goes on about how Justin got his easily, and he had to work hard. HARD? All he had to do was get some woman pregnant for an excuse to leave me and my mom, to go and live in New York. After that, I couldn't care how HARD he worked to get where he was.

"Okay, thank you," I walked on, listening hard as to where he was so we could avoid him, but my ears came up with not close by.

Lucas sat right in front of my eyes. He looked at me, a smile on his lips, then to Justin, his smile vanishing quickly.
"Hi."
"Hey," he got up, moving away from us. I shrugged it off.

Spinning around to behind me, as I heard Cassie, Emma, Lauren, my dads wife, and of course, my dad all entering through the reception area, towards me.

"Jade!" Cassie cried, "You missed it; it was so much fun. I got to take a chocolate fountain home."
I smiled as she hugged me. Emma passed by, smiling, but keeping her distance. "Lauren," I nodded.
"Jade," she nodded back.
"Cassie, this is..."
"Justin!" she cried, gazing at him. How sweet that looked.

"Cassie, don't," dad warned.
Cassie's face changed, and she looked away from Justin.
"Jade, and who is this?" he asked, standing there confused.
"Dad, you remember Justin, Lynn's son."
"My, my, you have grown the last time I saw you with Jade."
"Hi Mr Hart," Justin shook his hand.
"Daddy, I'm tired." I turned to Emma coming back with a teddy half asleep
"Lauren, will you take her?" Dad asked his wife.
"Come on, Emma."
"I want daddy."
I looked away, the image making me sick.
"I'm coming."

"Well, we're just going," mine and Justin's queue to go, I turned around, guiding Justin.
"I hope the place is satisfactory for you and Justin."
I turned around, "It is. Thanks."

~*~*~*~(Justin's Point of View)

"Well, that went well; besides Lucas. I don't know how we could have the same blood in each other."
I laughed lightly. Jade had some family! A dad who is interested in money. Then her step mom she just says 'hi' to. A young sister who doesn't like to go near her. A brother that doesn't acknowledge her as a sister. At least Cassie was old enough to make some decisions.

"Tomorrow evening, at least, we go."
"Would you like to spend more time here?"
"Heck, no! The less, the better."
Maybe not the first time, but I truly read through Jade and knew she was hurt inside, and for a strange moment I could feel that hurt.
"Jade that's not true."
She sighed, and began to make herself busy. "I'm not a little girl anymore. I'm not going to wish for him to come and be the dad I want, 'cause it ain't happening. I do want to sometimes spend time in his presence. Not with him, we don't have time with each other. I want to spend time in his presence, so I can tell my children what their father did. The small things no-one ever notices."

I rubbed a hand over my face, trying to bring back my entire struggle with my father when he remarried. "Jade," I called for her to sit down. She did so, next to me. "Believe what your heart tells you. Me, your mama, and mom, and Cassie are always here, and WE love you more than anything."
"Thank you, Justin."
"Anytime," I smiled, hugging. We quickly pulled apart as someone knocked on the door.
"Jade."
"Hey Cassie."
"Oh. sorry. If you want, I can come back."
"No, it's cool. Come in," I got off the bed, edging out of the room quietly, leaving the ladies. I looked up ahead, noticing Emma shuffling in my direction. I hid behind a big plant and watched her knock and enter Jade's room, smiling. I went to my room.

~*~*~*~(Jade's Point of View)

"Morning, Tinkerbell."
I slowly opened my eyes to Justin with food. "Breakfast."
"I caught the butler about to give you breakfast, and I said I would give it to you."
"Aww, how sweet," I sat up, resting the tray on my legs. "So who's still here?"
"I'm not quite sure, though it's a bit quiet. It snowed in the night."
"Did it? And I was thinking of heading into a pool."
"No, we're still in New York. Has Cassie packed her things?"
"Yeah, I asked her last night."
"Oh yeah, how did that go? I noticed Emma coming too."
"It was good. They like to know that they have a big sister," I told Justin, eating the toast.

"Justin, can you get me my phone?" I asked. He handed it to me, and I flipped it open.
"Hello."
"Jade, are you in New York?"
"Hi Paul, how are you? Yes, I am."
"So, that would mean you're staying with your dad?"
"Yes."
"For Christmas?"
"No, I'll be flying back tonight with Cassie and Justin."
"Justin? He went with you?"
"Yeah. Since the tour finished in D.C, he came over."
"How nice of him. So, when do I get to meet Mr Hart?"
"Oh, well, that would be a long time."
"How come Justin is there?"
"'Cause he just is. And anyway, my dad knows him."
"Barely."
"It just ain't the right time for you to meet my dad, Paul."
"When will it be? When I take your hand in marriage?"
Instantly covering the phone, I choked on my toast, as did Justin, who was obviously listening.
"He'll have to come to me first."
"See, you wouldn't have to ask him," I said.
"I was just seeing where you were and how you were."
'That's funny, 'cause you haven't even asked,' I thought. "Okay. I hope you have a great Christmas, Paul."
"Same to you"
"I love you"
"I love you too. Bye"
I shut my phone, and burst out laughing.

"Get ready, and dress up warm, and meet me in the garden."
"You mean the maze?"
Justin rolled his eyes, "The front garden bit."
"Ah, I see. Okay, but where you going?"
"I'll be checking our flights. We might be delayed."
I grabbed his collars, "And spend Christmas here, Justin?"
"Calm down. That's why I'm checking them."
"Good." I let go, laughing. Putting my finished food aside, I rolled out of bed, into my slippers. I watched Justin glance at me with a shock, surprised look, then turn away and leave.

~*~*~*~(Justin's Point of View)

"So, why was I meant to meet you here?"
"Snow," I smiled, handing Jade a snowball.
"What am I meant to do with this?"
"You decide," I replied, chucking one at her face. She immediately chucked it back. We had a ball fight.

"Snow angels!" she cried, lying still in the snow. I sneaked a snow ball over me and at her, and the chase repeated itself.
"Jade, I'm freezing. I'm chattering!" I stuttered, talking through my hands, trying to get warm.
"Alright, we can go in. It's probably best to get ready."
"10 hours early?"
"Time goes fast when trying to leave."

"Justin, I've been looking everywhere for you!" I heard Mike say, from behind me.
"You didn't look very hard did you?"
"We have to go."
"Where? I don't have an meetings, calls, anything."
"You do now."
"Mike, come on!"
"I'm sorry, but this has just came out of the blue."
"I am blue. I can't go."
"Lucky for you, I can spare you twenty minutes to get your ass into a shower and out of here."
"Jade? I turned to her, seeing how she felt.
"Go, Justin. Make sure you don't miss the flight," she laughed, winking at me.
"Come with me."
"...Me?" she asked, pointing to herself.
"I was talking to Jade behind you."
Her head slightly turned, but her eyes came back, "Joking...Twenty minutes? I'll slow ya down."
"You'll be 5, once I walk in on you."
She stared at me, smiling. Arching an eyebrow up as to why she was winking at me, I quickly realised before she could beat me, and raced her inside.

~*~*~*~(Jade's Point of View)

"It won't be long," he told me, not really sure himself.
"I'll just wander the long, lonely halls by myself."
"I'm sure there's a store somewhere near by."
"See, that would be interesting, if I hadn't left my bag at home."
Justin whipped out one of his black cards, "Here. Use it to buy what you want."
"I ain't using your money," I shook my head, not accepting it.
"Use it, Jade!" he forced, stressing.
"Okay, well, you should go. Don't want to be late."
He nodded and I gave him a quick hug, before going.

The shopping helped a lot, I didn't buy a lot, just a few extra Christmas presents. I felt more relaxed, and for once in along time, I was enjoying myself in the dreaded state my dad lived in.

I sat down outside the room Justin was in. I must've gone for over an hour, and he was still in there. I got my Subway roll, the foot. One half was going to be for Justin, but if I felt like a pig he wasn't going to get any. I laughed evilly, about to take a nice bite into it.

"Enjoying yourself?"
"Have you finished?" I asked.
"For some time now."
"Why didn't you call? I would've come back earlier."
"I didn't want to disturb you. Anyway, you ready?"
I nodded, letting Justin take a couple of my bags.

"Jade, can I have a word?"
I paused for a moment, my dad wanting to have a word. I nodded, giving Justin a reassurance look. I mouthed 'my room', and went to follow my dad.

I sat in his big office, feeling as if I might be getting in trouble.
"Jade, I don't think it's a very good idea, Cassie going to stay with you over the holidays. I know you were both looking forward to it, but it's best for her to stay with us."
"Best for whom?"
"Both of you, and your family."
"She is my family!" I argued.
"Well, I think she should stay with the family she knows best."
I raised my eyebrows, "Well, that wouldn't be my fault now, would it?"
"I didn't come here to have a dispute, I'm telling you.
"You're telling me? I passed the stage when I would listen to the crap that left your mouth."
"I'm STILL your father, Jade."
I opened my mouth to argue, but he was very serious. "Does Cassie know then?"
"No. I was hoping you could break it to her gently."
"You can hope for the rest of your life. I just want her to come and stay with me for a few days, and she comes straight back."
"Jade, don't make it harder than it already is."
"No, DAD, you made it harder for everyone. You're stopping her the day we plan on going."
"She doesn't know your mom, or anyone."
"She knows me, Dad; Lynn and mom will look after her too."
"Jade, my decision was final, but since it was, you'll get an answer evening time."
Knowing the best thing I could do is nod and smile, I left.

"Soo?" was the first thing I heard as I came in.
"He tried stopping Cassie from coming."
"Tried, so she IS still coming?"
"I get an answer evening time."
"You let him get away with that?"
"Of course not. I argued, but that was the best. I can't believe him sometimes."

Orlando
(Justin's Point Of View)

"Shall we surprise them?" I asked, as Jade lifted her head to look at me whilst I drove.
"I want to. I haven't seen them for months now."
I nodded my head, going in the direction of my mom's house.

The silence in the car was interrupted with Jade's slightly irritated voice.
"Cassie, ask him then!" she cried, turning around in fustration.
"Jade," she cried back "I couldn't could I?" her voice became quiet as she wandered.
"Of course you can...Justin, Cassie wants to ask you something."
"No, you!" Cassie fired back.
Jade rolled her eyes the whole time I watched back and fourth at the sisters. "She wants to know if you could sing to her like, live sort of."
"Not now, but whenever," Cassie quickly cut in.
"Sure. I would do it now, but Jade will start the waterworks. my voice makes her all emotional," I teased, poking her side.
"Does not," she countered, stubbornly.
"Does to. When I started singing 'Angel of Mine' by Monica."
She rolled her eyes in defeat, "Okay, maybe that time."

"Are you two dating?"
I shot my head to Jade, and she did the same, then we burst out laughing.
"Justin and me, NOOOOO!" we laughed.
"Far from it. Nah, Cassie. We're just friends. More than that, brother and sister."
"Okay. So, where we going?" Cassie asked.
"Mom's house."
"Which one?"
"Both of ours," Jade winked at me, and I winked back.

~*~*~*~ (Jade's POV)

"Ring it then," I whined. Justin was taking his time at the door, and it wasn't very warm. He finally rang the door bell.

"MOM!" we both cried, hugging our moms as the stood at the door, very shocked. I smiled at Lynn, pulling away then swapping places with Justin.
"MAMA!" we cried, hugging our mamas. Me and Justin laughed lightly, before coming in.
"Hi Cassie," my mom and Lynn greeted her, as me and Justin went inside, checking Lynn's house.

"So how old are you Cassie?"
"14," she replied quietly, following Lynn and Yvette, my mama, into the kitchen.

"They're coming," Justin informed me, quickly finishing off our sneaky eating of the food they were cooking.
"Well stop slurping," I countered.
"It's so good. I miss they're cooking."
"We're gonna get caught."

"Jade and Justin!" Lynn cried, entering. We dropped the spoons inside, turning around.
"You two never change," Yvette followed.
"We didn't do anything," me and Justin replied simultaneously, which was weird and made me furrow my brow.
"Oh, yes you did," Yvette laughed.
"Yeah Justin, you might want to get rid of the soup right there," Lynn pointed to her cheek.
I turned to Justin, sighing, "You ALWAYS give it away!"
"I do not! You have soup there too," Justin told me, dipping my finger in the pot.
"Where?" he smiled, wiping it on my cheek.
"There." he laughed, running away, me on his trail.
"You'll regret that, Timberlake!"
"Whatever, Hart!" we ran around the kitchen in a circle, before we got stopped by our moms standing in our way.

"Do they always act half their age?"
"YES!" our moms cried, with me and Justin replying "NO", making Cassie sit their laughing. Lynn went over to the cooker.
"One thing never changes," she shook her head, smiling.
"Leaving the spoons inside."

"Well done," I groaned, walking out to go upstairs.
"ME? You left it in there too!" Justin defended, following.
"But who said 'let's try some'?"
"You got the spoons before I said that."

The bickerign went on 'till we fell asleep.

~*~*~*~ Next morning: Christmas Eve
(Justin's Point Of View)

"So, Justin...?"
Oh, I know what's coming, so I sat down as Lynn and Yvette made themselves busy, cooking. "Uh-huh?" I asked.
"How was it?"
"Good. Jade and Michael went through a rough patch when he said Cassie couldn't go, but it got straightened out." I watched as both their eyebrows went up smiling, it all being familiar to them.
"Anything else?"
I tried to think, but it wasn't such a bad visit, so I couldn't think of anything else, except Paul. "Oh, and Paul phoned."
"Saying...?" Lynn said, wanting me to go on.
"Where she was- oh, and then there was something about when he was meeting Jade's dad."
Both Lynn and Yvette gave a short laugh, but remained quiet for me to go on. "Oh, and then he said something like 'is he supposed to wait for when he takes her hand in marriage?'" I trailed off, watching again their reaction, and what a funny one it was. They suddenly dropped their knives, staring at me.
"She's 19!" Lynn cried.
"She's not pregnant is she?" Yvette asked.
"No, no, just metaphorically speaking. I'm sure there wasn't anything behind it...I'm sure," that didn't sound very sure.
"JADE!" they cried. I rolled my eyes. We listened to the sound of footsteps across the landing, then downstairs, and she slid in

"I miss that floor," she laughed, gliding and sliding.
"What's up?" my head turned to the women quickly glance at each other, then turn to her.
"Food will be ready soon."
"Cool, I'll let Cassie know...Justin you're up. That's very early," she spun around and ran back upstairs.

"She hasn't got a ring," Yvetter said.
"That's good, right?" Lynn suggested.
"She wouldn't be getting married anytime soon." back and forth, they asked.
"Unless..."
"You two, stop it," I laughed "stop worrying. That's Jade you think could be saying her vows. She just slid in the room as if she learnt how to walk."
Lynn and Yvette laughed and went back to chopping.

"So, what did you say about it?" Lynn asked.
"Oh, we had a little joke that he would have to ask me."
"And your answer?"
"It is a bit too soon."
"That's not an answer," they sang gently.
"Okay, straight up, not at the mo'. From what I've heard, he keeps asking her questions as if he don't trust her."
They nodded, big smiles on their face.
"Thanks for the Christmas tree," I quickly changed the conversation.
"Big enough?" they raised their eyebrows.
"Yup," I smiled.

The door bell rang.
"I GOT IT!" I cried, hearing Jade say the same, "No she don't," I muttered.
"Justin," Lynn and Yvette stopped me. "Try this," they forced a bowl in front of me. I finished the whole thing before saying anything.
"Thanks," I smiled.
"Justin."
"If that's what we're having for breakfast, it's going to be delicious."

I turned around to Jade, entering, not so happy. I looked behind her at the person following.
"Stinky!" she cried, I stood up to hug her.
"Hey Pinky, you're early."
"I thought I would surprise you," she replied.
"How was the drive?"
"Boring, as usual, but I think I'll fly back."
"I'll drop you later at the airport," I brought her up to my lips, giving her a kiss of course, it's Britney. We sorted out some of our problems and I'm happier again. There's still some trust issues, but I think we're leading on to a very good straight road. I pulled away, licking my lips.
"Morning Britney," Lynn and Yvette chirped happily. Britney knew Yvette, also.
"Morning Lynn and Yvette."
"You've come just in time for breakfast," Britney nodded.

"I'm going to check on Cassie," Jade went upstairs.
"Me and Britney are just going to go to my place. I'll be back."
"What about breakfast?" Yvette asked.
"Save me some, please?" I pouted to add in effect.
"Okay, see you two later," we waved bye, and went to my house.

"Do I have to ask what they might be doing at his house?"
"No, I'm sure you know."

~*~*~*~ (Jade's Point Of View)

"What happened to Britney and Justin?" I asked, sitting at the breakfast table.
"She wanted to freshen up," Lynn answered.
"Sorry Cassie, you can meet Miss Spears later."

"So, Jade, you know how you're a dancer on the tour and the videos."
"Uh-huh."
"Are you partnered with Justin in all of them?"
"No, the positions change. I'm mostly with Lance or Chris 'cause of my height, or I put myself there 'cause I don't like the camera on me, anyway."
"You don't? But on tour, it's always on you."
"Yeah, but it's just a nervous thing I do"
"Aww. What's Wade like as a choreographer?"
"He's good. He's not our only one. I could teach you a few moves if you want."
"Would you? I'd really like that."
"No problem."

"Mom, I finished." Lynn walked into the kitchen.
"Where you going?? she asked.
I dropped the towel, skipping to her, "To boogie, upstairs." I placed a kiss on her cheek and ran upstairs.

"Cassie, so what do you want to do? Snoop around Justin's room?" I watched her eyes light up.
"I guess that answers it."

We came out of my room, and went opposite to Justin's, opening the door. We went inside. We were staying at Justin's, so his room was very tidy.
"Where to first?"
"His draws."
I paused, but told her to go on. Something was trying to tell me there's something wrong. I rushed over to Cassie, slamming the top one shut, covering her eyes. I took a peek at the condoms, shaking my head.
"I guess not that one," she laughed, going to the next.
"Are these songs?"
"I guess," I read the first couple of lines.

'Girl when we started baby
We were friends
But that's not how this
Fairytale is gonna end' Aww that first line is so good. I wander what the music is like with it.

"Do you think this is going to be for the next album?"
"Oh no, another tour," I laughed.

We jumped as we heard the front door.
"Cassie, quick!" we put everything back, quickly.
"Oh my goodness!"
We just threw everything in as we found it. We went back, tidying it up. Cassie rushed out to my room, and IÊran out, bumping straight into Justin, falling backwards.
"Woah there Jade," he caught hold of me, "are you playing tag in the house?" he asked, cocking an eyebrow up.
"No." I shook my head.
"I'm telling! You're not allowed to play tag."
"You go tell, and I'll go find Cassie."
"I wanna play," he began pouting, and it would probably be best to make him think we were playing tag.
"Justin," Britney called. I sighed and walked into my room, shutting the door.

~*~*~*~ "How's it going at your house?" I asked Kiara on the phone.
"Great. So, when do you plan on saying bye, and going food shopping?"
"Soon."
"So, what's up? Your house sounds good."
"Except for..." I didn't have to say anything, she knew who.
"Oh, that must be a bummer."
"Yeah, it's like you don't like your boss, okay, but to find your boss in your home, when you don't like them." I explained how I felt.
"Is a bummer, but you have Cassie. How's that going?"
"Great. I'm really liking spending time to get to know her, and we have quite a bit in common."
"That's good. Aww, the family is together again."
"Yeah, it really is good. I can tell my moms are happy."
"Well, say hi to everyone."
"I will. Tell everyone I say hi."
"Okay, bye Jade."
"Bye Kiara."

I placed the phone down, walking to the kitchen where Lynn was making the extra shopping list.
"So, mom, what do I have to get?" I asked, sitting beside her, poking her sides.
"Jade, you really are in Christmas spirit."
"Yeah," I laughed, making her laugh.

"Okay, I think that's everything. I really hope I didn't forget anything," Lynn said.
"I'm sure you didn't."
"How much do you want?"
"I'll pay."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, I'm sure. I'll find another way of taking your money," I smiled, cheekily.

"You taking Cassie?"
"Uh-huh," I glanced at her. She had a weird smile on her face.
"What?" I asked.
"I beg your pardon?"
"What's with the smiles?"
"I'm just happy to have you AND Justin home for Christmas"
"Was it that much of a deal?"
"Yes, of course it was. One of you was always missing."
"A toast, to more Christmases like this, with both me and Timberlake at the dinner table."
"Cheeky you!" It was her turn to poke my sides.
"Come here...did you scratch yourself?"
"Where?" I asked, holding my head in place so she could examine it. I watched her lick her thumb and wipe at my cheek.
"OHH MOM!" I cried. I felt like I was 8 again, "Embarrassing or what?"
"I would go with or what, Jade. Now, hop it." I followed her order, and hopped off, and hopped to the door.
"You really have lost it."
"I love you too!"
"Why don't you invite Justin?" she suggested.
"He has company."
"I'm sure she can go to the store with you."
"And have a big deal about security? Nice thought."

We both turned to Cassie coming down with Justin.
"I invited Justin, if that's okay?"
"Score," I heard Lynn whisper quietly. I looked at her, very surprised.
"MOM!" I cried, shocked at her behaviour, which was starting to be just like mine.
"Jade, I'm standing right here."
"I want a hug," I walked to her, hugging her, "I heard that," I whispered in her ear.
"Oh, just go," she laughed. She hit my ass as I went.
"I would go with embarrassing," I told her, making her chuckle and leave us, and of course Justin saw this and he gave me a confused look. I waved it off. Coming out of the house and into my car, I sat inside on my own for a few moments, until Justin came out on his own.

"Where's Cassie?"
"She wanted to stay with Britney, keep her company."
"Oh well, hop in."

~*~*~*~ Store
(Justin's Point Of View)

"Justin, that's the list," she handed it to me, pushing the trolley.
"Okay, shall we start here?"
"You're the list man," she replied. She was too goofy today, and she was jingling. She's wearing this belt that has bells round it.
"Did you have fun playing tag?"
"Tag?" she questioned.
"Yeah, you and Cassie."
"Oh yeah, tag, that was good."

Okay, there is something odd between us. I think it's with Britney being here. She goes in the next two hours, so maybe then we will be able to talk properly.

~*~*~*~ Back at Home
(Lynn's Point of View)

"Do I even have to ask as to why you wanted Justin to go with her?" Yvette asked.
"I'm sure you know." I answered.
"You really want a happy ending?"
"The happy ending I saw happening since they were 5."
"14 years on..."
"I'm still writing the book, Yvette."
"When does the climax come?"
"Soon. We just have to be VERY patient."

~*~*~*~ Christmas Day: After Dinner
(Jade's Point Of View)

I was emptying the dishwasher, and Justin dried and packed away.
"Are you making yourself another plate?" I asked, as I heard him taking a plate out and adding food.
"Just one more."
"Justin you've eaten loads! You'll pack a belly."
"With my six pack?"
I gave out a short laugh.
"Laugh all you want," he came up to me, lifting his top up and I couldn't help but tickle him.
"Jade, it ain't working."
"Oh, can't blame a gal for trying," my accent came in thick. "Omd, Southern or what?"
"Can't blame a gal for trying," he mimicked.
"Shut up, Curly Spice!"
"Tinkerbell."

"Is that name calling I hear from you two?"
"Jade started it."
"Well, she bought you ice-cream."
"OMD, please be my favourite! Please!"
"Baskin Robin's Daiquiri Ice?" I wondered
"YAY!" he cried, jumping up and down.
"It's a shame I ate it in bed last night."
"Liar! I was in bed with you."
My jaw dropped. As innocent as it was last night, it coming out of his mouth was sickening.
"EWW!" we cried, as Lynn laughed.
"It's in the freezer."
"I'll eat it after my dinner."
"We just had it, Justin," Lynn informed him.
"Mama, I'm having more."
I shook my head, laughing louder.

"Christmas carollers are at the door!" Yvette called.
"Justin, shall we get the gift baskets?"
"Mama, we will be back in about an hour."
"Okay."
We rushed out, getting our things on. We gave money to the people.
"Cassie, you ready?"
"So, we sing, then Justin joins in, and instead of them giving us money we give them a small basket?"
"Yup."
"Okay."

We knocked. Me and Cassie sang 'We Wish You a merry Christmas'. You could so tell someone joined in who was good at singing. We parted, and Justin stood in between.

"OMG, IT'S JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE!" they cried. Two other people came. At least they didn't rush us, but recorded us.
"Can you wait there please?"
I nodded.
"Are you going to go?" I asked Justin, giving him a chance to save his behind.
"As long as they don't jump on me, I'm sure I'm safe."
I rested my head on his shoulder, smiling.

"Could you sign this?" they asked.
"Yeah, sure," we stood back, letting him do his thing.
"I'll take it for you," I offered, getting the camera, taking loads of pictures that the film finished.
"Here you go," Cassie handed them a gift basket.
"And here you go. We've got all these gift bags."

We did all the houses, most of them with teenagers screaming Justin's name. We ended up being given gift baskets.

"I'm going to take this entire home," Cassie said.
"Okay, we'll be coming."
She went off, me and Justin talked.
"Justin, where are we going?"
"Wait a second," Justin took out a red, silk scarf. "Close your eyes."
I closed them, quite unsure about where we were going. He took my hand, leading me somewhere. "Justin, you better not hurt me."
"I wouldn't, I swear," he held me, closer to him.
"Stand here for a minute."
"Justin, please. I don't wanna get scared."
"I'm right next to you. Trust me, Jade."
"I do." I let go of him as he fumbled about. I felt around me, but there was nothing.
"Sit down."
"Where I am?" I questioned.
"Yes, on the floor."
"Oh, okay." I sat down cross legged, looking at darkness.

"Justin," I called, feeling around for him.
"I'm here," he placed his hand over mine, "you can take it off now."

I untied it at the back, blinking a few times. I turned behind me, then looked round. I was sitting on a blanket. Justin took out some of the things we had received from the blankets. There were a few extras, the candles he was lighting up, and petals. I studied the park. I used to play at the park with Justin. Forget the park, this was by our school and if I was correct, this was the spot we always came to if we needed each other. I wiped the tears that began falling.

"Aww Jade, already? I haven't even said my speech."
I laughed, "Ignore me."
He took a bite of a strawberry, "Want some?"
"Just a bite."
He let me have a bite. "I guess you know where we are?"
I nodded. "Remember one time I got picked on, this was about the time we didn't like each other when we were small...anyway, I was being picked on and I ran here crying, and you walked past with your friends who were laughing. And you stood there not sure, but you left them and gave me a tissue and sat with me."
"Oh yeah."
"That was the first time we carved our names on this tree."
"Omg, yeah! I gasped.
"We had a lot of good times here, didn't we?"
I nodded, as he carried on.
"Remember the time you climbed up because you were upset, even though you are ever so afraid of heights?"
"And you got scared in case I would fall out. You climbed up, begging me to come down." I smiled at how much Justin cared.
"But you were too stubborn, so I talked to you to tell me what was wrong."
"What was wrong?" I asked.
"You thought you were odd because..." he trailed off, blushing, "your body was changing quicker than the other girls."
I burst out laughing. "Oh yeah, how old was I turning, 9?"
"Uh-huh. After telling you there was nothing wrong and that you were maturing, you began to come out. You slipped and cried out for me. Fell out of the tree to the ground."
"Are you sure? I don't remember any fatal accidents."
"That's because I just managed to jump out, and you landed on me."
"Justin, were you okay?" I asked, checkign for cuts that wouldn't be there.
"Yeah, just a few scratches."
"That's good."
"Good. You never learnt your lesson. A few months later, you were back in there. Only thing is, is that you really fell out."
I couldn't help but laugh. "I couldn't count the scratches I used to have on me."
"I don't know why you're laughing. I was in tears. I thought I had failed you as your best friend. I tried to catch you, but it was too late."
"I'm sure, in the end, we were fine."
"You may have been, but I was dead scared you would climb up on the tree, so I put a warning." Justin stood up, bringing me up too. He looked around the tree. "J, don't," he read out, "J.T cry."
"What are these?"
"J.H 4 J.T"
"Our love days. Wanna do another?"
"Okay."

As best as we could, we carved 'J.H J.T friends forever'. We laid down, looking at the stars, something I remember very clearly doing with Justin. We laid there for a good half hour of it, silent.

"So where were you two?"
It felt like we were teenagers, out late.
"The park, by our old school."
"Old memories?" Lynn asked.
"Really good ones."
"Where's Cassie?"
"On the phone to her family."
"Ah, the cheeky twins are back," Yvette said, coming to the hall-way.
"We are not cheeky."
"How did the gift baskets go?"
"We got loads back, and did the whole looking at the sky at the stars."
"Uh-huh, so you had fun?"
We both nodded.

Justin and Joey's birthday party, January 2002
(Jade's Point Of View)

It was on the biggest bus, which wasn't filled with bedrooms, just floor space. For the new year, everyone got bigger buses. I don't know how much bigger these can get. It was so improved now, with a bit upstairs for more room, and each room had flat screens, but still, we only had a few dates left.

It wasn't as big as the party two nights ago. After the concert, there was an after party. That party was crazy! Filled with celebrities, and now there's another one tonight. Not everyone on tour was coming on.

So, I'm upstairs, sitting on Justin's bed, as he gets changed.
"Jade, help. I'm not feeling this shirt," he looked at it, not satisfied.
"Why don't you wear blue?" I suggested.
He cocked his head to one side.
"Anyway, it's not me you should be asking. Bring a wardrobe person up here, I'm a dancer."
"But you're my best friend. My lil sis."
"Honestly, Justin, the first one you put on looked great."
"You think? Okay."

"Justin, I really have to go downstairs. Paul might already be here."
"Say you're changing."
I began to panic, looking in the mirror, "Do I need to? Is this right? I should probably peek at what everyone else is wearing. What if I'm over the top?"
Justin grabbed a hold of my shoulders, stopping me from rambling. "You look great, not even that, amazing, Jade. Stop rambling," he laughed, slipping out of his t-shirt. He is one big show off.

"Music is playing, Justin, and no birthday boy."
"I'm coming," I opened his door, going down the steps first.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" everyone cried. I turned around, joining them, watching his reaction, taking a couple of pictures. A couple? Ha! I think if I didn't blink as much as I did, I would be blind.

"Baby."
I smiled, turning around to Paul, hugging him. I enveloped him in a long kiss. "Hey Paul," I whispered, catching my breath.
"Do you want a drink?"
"Yes please," I smiled. I stood waiting for him, rolling my eyes as he got involved in a conversation. He turned his body aroundÊto me, mouthing an apology.

"Jade."
"Kiara, giving the birthday boy his kisses?" I cooed, as she blushed slightly.
"You know what, stop. Why didn't you guys say you saw us kissing?"
"It's y'all's business...So, you guys friends?"
"Actually, sworn enemies when he put a kid's party hat on me and messed my hair."
I rolled my eyes, laughing. "Okay then, have you seen Paul?" I asked, looking at the drinks section. He was gone.
"Where was he?"
"At the drinks."
"There he is." Sshe pointed to him dancing with a girl on the floor. I froze, staring at them.
"Jade," Kiara waved a hand over my face.
"Sorry. It's okay. He's dancing," I glanced back. This was the feeling, jealousy.
"Tinkerbell!" Justin called, making me blush.
"Curly spice."
"I really like that name."
"Good. Enjoying yourself?"
"Hell yeah, I'm 21!" he smiled. His eyes really looked like a deep blue, mysterious sort of. I was falling into them. I love eyes. I love reading them, and seeing what the person was feeling. Justin, of course, was delight and happiness. "Here by yourself?"
"Kiara..." I looked around and she had disappeared. What's going on? "Paul went to get a drink."
"I guess he got distracted," he said, noticing where I was looking.
"Do you think she's pretty?" I asked.
"With an ass like that, heck..."
I glared at him, telling him he wasn't helping.
He carried on, "No. Looks like an elephant. She keeps backing up on him like that, her behind will make him fall."
I smiled, thinking of the thought. "She's really curvy," I whispered, sighing.
"Oh yeah," Justin turned his head to an angle to look at her. He turned to me, "Curvy like bakery rolls. Plastic surgery, Jade. Those breasts are fake, like Janice Dickinson thinking she's still 20."
I burst out laughing. Aww, Justin knew how to make me feel better.
"Hey, what's with the bitchiness? You jealous?" he asked, cocking his head to one side. He was doing that a bit too often. He was trying to suss me out.
"I'm not jealous, or bitchy."
"Stubborn."
"Am not. Well, if I asked you to get me a drink, then you're off getting a lap dance, wouldn't you be slightly pissed?"
"Jade, you said a bad word."
"Forgive me."
"I do. Just cut in and show him what he's missing, and then leave."
"I couldn't do that."
"You could, Jade. I'll be right here."
"Please, you'll get distracted as well."
"You'll see, I won't. Don't do something I would do."
"Says a lot about you," I laughed, as he poked my sides.
"Watch it, Jade. I'm the birthday boy. Now go." he pushed me towards them. I've never done something like this. I walked over there excusing her for a second, bringing his arms around my waist. He leaned down to my neck, kissing it softly, as I danced up on him for a few seconds, letting go, leaving them to dance. I winked at Justin and pointed to outside. Nodding, he followed.

"Well?"
"I can't believe I did that."
"Believe, Jade. You're bad. I said show him what he's missing."
"What was I meant to do?"
"Grab a random guy and slide yourself up on him."
I laughed as he showed me.
"But that was up close and personal."
"Hopefully he won't get the wrong idea, especially since I came out here," I said in between laughs. I stopped as I noticed I was laughing on my own, and Justin looked at me all serious.
"What?"
"I really hope he don't get the wrong idea, signals."
"Fiddles...Oh well, I'll be a virgin 'till I'm married."
"Good on you, Jade."
He hugged me, then walked back inside. I was taken away from him by Paul.

"Sorry about that. Your drink."
"What's inside?"
"Coke and a bit of vodka."
I nodded. As long as I didn't drink too much, I'll be okay, but I couldn't tell the difference between any alcohol.

~*~*~*~ (Justin's Point Of View)

"Kiara, Jade is drunk isn't she?" I asked, as I watched her out of the corner of my eye. Kiara, not even looking, replied.
"Jade does not get drunk. She hates it. Maybe she's jolly." I looked at Jade more carefully, as she kissed Paul.
"Kiara, that is not the Jade we know."
"She's missed him, Justin. I don't want to think she's drunk. She sees people around her with hangovers. It's like one of her things she promises herself, like her virginity."
The woman still hasn't seen Jade. "Well, Kiara, it looks like she might end up losing it tonight."
She turned to see Jade against the wall with her legs around Paul, still kissing. Kiara stood, jaw opened wide. "Don't let them out of your sight. I'm getting her things."
"Me? I have bad eyes."
"Well, talk to them."
"That I can do."

I strolled over there, tapping Jade. She pulled away, wiping her lips a bit. She smiled at me, getting down off Paul, who looked at me, then walked away.
"Justin, you having fun?" she asked, gazing at me.
"Yeah, are you?"
"Hell yeah! I'm having loads of fun," she's slurring.
"Jade, are you drunk?"
"Heck no, Justin," she slapped my chest lightly, "I've been drinking coke."
"Anything else?"
"Nope. Ask Paul. He's been giving them to me." She reached over to what was her drink, sipping on it.
"No alcohol whatsoever?" I took the drink from her, sipping on it.
"Jade, this has got vodka, coke, and rum."
"Never tried those together before."
"Then you wouldn't know, this is strong."
"Strong," she said, trying to sound manly.
"Paul said when I'm ready, he will carry me to our hotel room. He must be really strong to carry me."
"Hotel room? What hotel room?"
"We're going there tonight."
"Kiara is getting your things to take you back on your bus."
"No. I wanna be with Paul, Justin," she whined, pouting.
"Jade, look, come and get some water or coffee."
"No. Gimme my drink back, J!" she reached out, spilling it out of my hand. "Whoops, I'll clear it up. Maid on the way!" She dropped to the floor in an instant, wiping it with tissue.
"Jade, come on, get up. If our moms knew what state you were in, it's my neck on the washing line."
She stood up quickly, closing the space between us. I could smell the alcohol on her.
They wouldn't because I love you Justin...I looovee youuuu," she sang, dancing around.
"Jade, here comes Kiara."
"Kiara. I love her too."
"Omg!" Kiara froze, "Who the fuck gave her alcohol?"
"Paul did. He's so sweet, and strong," she said again, making it sound manly.
"Dear lord, the girl has lost her sense. I'm taking you to our bus."
"No, me and Paul are going hotel."
"So he can lose your virginity? Fuck no! Jade, I know how much it means to you. Not saying you don't want to lose it to him, but you ain't losing it drunk."
"Oh Kiara, you're too serious," Jade played with Kiara's face, making her smile.
"Jade, this isn't you. Snap out of it...Why would he give you alcohol?"
"What's going on? Jade, you ready?"
"Yeah," Jade took her stuff from Kiara's hand.
"Paul, she's drunk. She needs to go back to her bus."
"I'll take care of her."
"Justin!" Kiara begged.
I really didn't want to butt in 'cause I feel like punching Paul for getting her drunk. "Paul, let Kiara take care of her."
"She's fine with me. It's too crowded on her bus. Stop worrying, Justin. This is your party. Enjoy!" he turned around, walking out with Jade.
"Justin, come on!" Kiara pulled me.
"Paul."
"WHAT? Why you so against me taking her away from you guys one night? I don't know why I'm listening to you lot. I'm her boyfriend, and she's my girlfriend. We can do what we want."

This ain't working. I have to knock some sense into Jade. I walked around to the passenger side, stopping her from getting in the car.
"Jade, before we went inside, what did you say about your precious gift?" getting her to think would help, and delay.
"Jade, you know you don't want to go. It's the alcohol." She put a hand to her head.
"I'll see you guys in the morning," she whispered.
"Jade, please!"
"Baby, get in the car," Paul asked.
"Jade, you can't think straight." Kiara added.
"Shut up, Kiara!" Paul shouted.
"Shut up! I could smack you for giving her alcohol. Don't tell me to shut up, you seducing, mad, sex person! If she goes, and you take her virginity like this, I will sure high kick your ass back to Atlanta, Paul!" she stressed.
"Jade, get in the DAMN car!"
"Jade, please," I begged, holding my hand out.
"Don't mess with me. Get in the fucking car!"
"No," Jade whispered, shaking her head, placing her hand in mine.
"What?!" he cried, getting out.
"I said no, Paul. Some other time. I really don't feel well."
"You sure?"
"Yes. I'm sorry. I'll pay for the reservations."
"I need a break," he got in the car, driving away.

I hugged Jade, hard, "Thank you."
"I'm sorry."
"Come on."

I walked her back inside, giving her coffee. She went to sober quite quickly.
"Do you think he's mad?"
I really couldn't care, "Maybe, but you just smile and batter your eyelids, and you'll both be fine."
"Okay. He wouldn't have taken my virginity. He knows how special it is to me."
I raised an eyebrow hardly believing it, but I nodded.
"I have to thank Kiara again."
"I'm sure you thanked her enough, and she knows it wasn't your fault."
"Hopefully. I feel like a vulnerable loser."
"You're not."
"5 cups of alcohol and I'm drunk."
"Those were strong."
"I'm going to lie down, but you have a good evening."
"You sure?"
"Yes. I won't let you come up until everyone has gone."
"Okay. Will you be okay?"
"If you hear thuds, then come and get me."
"I will."
I kissed her forehead, then let her go upstairs.

~*~*~*~ 3 am
(Justin's Point Of View)

I walked upstairs, tired as hell. That birthday was wicked. I stopped, watching Jade sleep soundly on my bed.
"Jade," I whispered, nudging her slightly. She turned over, but still went back to sleep. I tickled her feet.
"Justin," she whispered, "is it finished?"
"Yeah, about time too."
She giggled softly.
"I have your bag if you want to stay here?"
"Thank you."
"You're welcome. Anyway, I'll be changing now."

I went to the bathroom, coming out a few minutes later. I sat on the bed with Jade sitting cross legged, with her hair tousled everywhere.
"Are you feeling better?"
"Much better. I swear never to drink alcohol."
I nodded, remembering all of this.
"Aren't you tired?" she asked me.
"Yeah, so I'm gonna sleep. Do you want anything?" I asked. There was a slight awkwardness, but I got in with Jade.
"Night."
"Goodnight." I kissed her forehead, then turned over to sleep.

Pit stop for breakfast.
(Jade's Point of View)

"Jade."
I looked up to Kiara and Justin. One with flowers, one with a present. Did they get my birthday day messed up? Friends..., "Hey you guys," I smiled.
"We are very sorry."
I screwed my face up, "Sorry for what?"
"Meddling with you and Paul," Justin explained.
"Yeah, we should've let you go," Kiara confessed.
"It ain't any of our business," Justin replied next.
"And we understand if you might be annoyed."
I turned to Kiara, as she added on.
"But we are truly sorry. We won't ever do it again," Justin shook his head.
"It's probably our fault if you and Paul aren't talking."
"And..."
I stopped Justin mid way, "You guys, stop. Why you apologising? Fair enough, you interfered, but it was a good interference, and I'm thankful, and feel free, when you know I'm not myself, to step in."
"You don't hate us?" Kiara asked, shocked.
"Of course not. C'mere." I gave them a hug each.
"Well, here."
I opened the present. I pulled it out. "Omg, it has my name!"
"I know you're crazy over belts," Kiara laughed.
"Aww, thank you guys."
"It was just something small," Justin replied, sheepishly.
"Thank you. You know, you guys are quite weird, and random. What gave you the idea I would be mad?"
"We did kinda cut in on your hotel night."
I shook my head stopping them, "Have you guys eaten breakfast?"
"Yeah, some time ago."
"Okay," I smiled, as Kiara said bye.

"What's that over there?"
"Where?" I turned around, turning back, seeing Justin eat my cereal.
"Hey! If you wanted some, ask," I laughed.
"Jade, can..."
I cut him off short, "NO! too late," I stuck my tongue out, smiling.

~*~*~*~ On tour with Britney, February

Thank the Lord, it's only 12 performances 'till we have our good old break. Justin is back in the recording studios.

"Justin, why don't you call her?" I whined, not wanting to give Britney my phone.
"She ain't answering."
"Call later then. Maybe she's sleeping?"
"Can you check? I promise to never ask you something like that," I rolled my eyes, stepping off my bus, finding hers.

Bracing myself, I got onto her bus.
"Hello? Jade? Are you going?"
"Yes, shut up!" I walked to her bedroom door, hearing noises. I wasn't sure if I should go in.
"What if she has a go at me?"
"For giving her the phone, Jade? Go on."
I knocked, entering. I lifted my head to the bed.

I lost my breath, and my heart stopped, disgusted by the sight of Britney naked. Realising I didn't catch her naked as if she came out of the bathroom, but she was being satisfied. I screwed my face up in more disgust, as she began to scream in ecstasy. I looked at the guy coming out from the covers. It was Wade. I shut the door, making gagging noises.

"Jade?" Justin cried.
Omd, not only did I see Britney having sex, she was cheating on Justin! It hadn't even clicked. I wonder if he heard anything.
"Jade, is she there?"
I bought the phone back to my ear. "Nope, can't find her," I answered quickly, my thoughts still everywhere.
"Oh, thanks for trying."
"No problem."
"Who was screaming?"
"Kiara, she's being tickled."
"Kay. I'll call you later, Jade. Bye."
"Wait, Justin."
"Yeah."
"Good luck."
"Thanks," and he cut the phone.

I dialled in the next number, running off that bus, still hearing the screams. It felt like they were following me, haunting me.
"Hello."
"Put it on loudspeaker, and bring Mama," I ordered.
"Okay, honey," Lynn answered.
"Hello Jade."
"I'm just going to come out with it."
"What have you done?"
"It's not me. Well...omd, I caught Britney full swing, having sex."
"That must be a sight."
"Poor you, Jade."
"You tell Justin to do it discreetly next time."
I'm so confused, my mouth is wide open. "What...NO! She's having sex with someone else. She's cheating on him!"
"Again? She's cheating on Justin?" my mama cries.
"That woman! Has she no morals?"
"Is Justin okay?"
"He doesn't know. I just saw it."
"Explain fully, honey. I'm confused, where are you?"
"Justin asked me to give my phone to Britney, so I went there, reluctant of course, I opened the door. OMG, it's still in my mind! Wait, listen, she was doing it with Wade."
"WITH WHO!?" Lynn cried.
"Wade, his supposed best friend," I mutter.
"Lynn, wait," Yvette cuts her, I think.
"I'd seen enough and came out, and Justin was still on the phone. He asked what the screaming was and I lied. Said it was someone else. How do I tell him that his girlfriend is cheating with his best friend?"
"I might call the sinner right now!" oooh, Lynn was mad. She never gets mad.
"Mom, wait. I'm stuck here. I can't really call back Justin saying he has a cheat for a girlfriend, and a backstabbing friend. Sweet apples, it's still in my mind. The body parts, the sweat, eww! That's disgustingly wrong."
"Help! I've never been exposed to such sexual behaviour."
"Lynn, honey, you need to calm down. We will sort this out, but getting angry won't help," Yvette and Lynn are having their own conversation.
"Mom, don't get angry. Shall I get angry? Go back in there and yell my lungs off? But somehow I don't think it will help Justin. My poor bubby. I think the best thing is for me to go to her saying I know, and that she has to do something. I'm not going to break J's heart. I will fix it, but I won't break it."
"Jade, you do what you have to."
"Bye mama, bye mom. You okay?"
"Really annoyed. Britney was such a nice girl. As for that friend of his..." she let out a short laugh, making me smile.
"Mom's breaking loose."
"You cheeky girl!"
"I love you guys. Bye." I closed the phone looking back, cringing.

Walking up and down my room, I acted out what I would say to Justin, or that woman Britney. I couldn't bear to look at her again. As for Wade, our friendship has gone. I don't even want to work with him! Here come the tears. I feel so bad. I wish I hadn't gone in there, but then if I hadn't, Justin would still think Britney was perfecto. Oh, she so isn't!

Chapter 10 - Aftermath(Jade's Point Of View)

The past few days have been hard. I still hadn't told Justin, neither had I spoken to Britney, but today was the day. I was marching up to the cheating cow.
"Jade, where you going?" Kiara asked just stopping me as I marched my way to them in the corner.
"To talk to Britney and Wade."
"'Kay, see you on the bus." Kiara said as she hung her bag on her shoulder and began leaving the dance studio.

"Britney, hey. Can I talk to you?"
"Yeah, sure." Wade was just about to walk off.
"Oh, Wade, you might want to hear this too," I added, pointing to him.
"What's up?"
"What you're doing to Justin is wrong and unfair. Britney, you're his girlfriend, and Wade, you're his best friend. Two people who should never see themselves falling into each others arms, or in your case, in-between legs."

I continued, "I haven't told Justin 'cause I feel you should do it, one of you. I hope you apologise because he's going to be very upset. Personal addition, Britney, why would you do this to him again, after he forgave you, and Wade, his best friend, my friend. You really sold yourself out," I looked at them both, then shrugged and went off.

I decided to tell Kiara the down-low. Not for gossip, but for reassurance about what I did, and so she would know why if I give both of them the cold shoulder, not like I already haven't. Yeah, she was definitely shocked. At first she didn't believe me, but then realised I don't say things like that, and if it was her walking in boy there would be trouble now. All I have to wait for is them to tell him. They would tell him.

 

---

"Well, Jade?" Lynn asked on the phone.
"Mom, I'm not sure. It's been 3 days." I whispered as I stood by the Main exit door for the bus.
"Jade, you laid it down too nicely. You should've pulled her hair out." I glanced to the bedroom door then looked down again to hush my voice.
"It's really upset you hasn't it?"
"Yeah. Justin don't need these problems, and you know what he's like with trust." She sighed knowing what laid ahead for all of us.
"He has issues."
"Put it that way, yeah," she laughed lightly.
"It takes a lot to get him to love, or whatever."
"He hasn't called for the past 15 hours."
"It's only 15!" Lynn exclaimed making me pout and put on my whinging voice.
"But he calls loads. I'm going to go to Britney, since Wade has gone for a few days, as we have performance after performance."
"Okay, well, you let me know how it goes?" Lynn asked. I peered out my window, noticing a black hummer pull out.
"I wonder who that is."
"Who who is honey?"
I carried on watching as someone stepped out of the car, a very familiar Justin. "OMG, he's here, Mom!"
"Who?"
"Justin. He's going to the bus now."
"Sit tight and wait."
"I'm on her bus." I cried walking back and fourth between the living room and edging closer to her room.
"Oooh Jade, quickly, go to her now."
"I am," I put the phone down, knocking on her bedroom door.
"Come in."
"Britney."
"Jade, what?"
"I'm guessing you haven't told him."
"How would you know?"
"Because he's coming here right now."
"What do you mean?"
"He's here, outside."
"I haven't told him."
"Why is here?"
"Surprise visit maybe."
"Britney, you have to tell him."
"No. Just forget it, Jade."
"Forget it? You slept with Wade and I saw it!"
"Well shut up, and don't say shit." My eyes grew wide she was serious.
"You lying tramp!" I lashed out at her.
"Stop getting involved!" she slapped me back.
"Well, I didn't ask to see you both in bed. You expect me to shut up?"
"Yes. Justin wouldn't have to know."
"I KNOW, YOU IDIOT!"
"Don't call me an idiot!" she pushed her hands out at me, and we both fell on the floor.
"You cheating cow!" I pushed at her again.
"Fat virgin!"
"At least I don't give it up to just any guy!"

"Jade, Britney!" Justin cried, walking in on us, breaking us apart.
"What is going on?" Britney turned to look at me, sorting her hair out.
"Jade?"
"It ain't any of my business."
"Britney?"
"I'm not saying anything I don't want to."
"Will one of you say something? Why are you two fighting?"
"Britney, tell him."
"Tell me what?" Justin looked hard at Britney. She glanced at me and she began her fake crying.
"I slept with Wade," she confesed, looking down.
"You did what?"
"I had sex with Wade, Justin!" she cried.

I stared at Justin. His face, his emotions, had changed from worse to as if he couldn't go on. I could see the tears threatening to spill, but mostly he was angry.
"Justin," I whispered reaching out.
"Jade, go."
"But, Justin."
"Jade, please, just go," he whispered, turning his back on me. I nodded, getting my phone I left the bus.

"Jade."
"Mom."
"What the heck happened back there?"
"You heard?"
"Were you fighting?"
"Unfortunately it's spilled, and Justin told me to go."
"I hope he's okay."
"When I see him, I'll get him to call you."
"Thank you. Take care of him."
"I will. Bye," I shut my phone, going back to my bus.

---

 I opened my bedroom door. "Justin," I whispered, "are you...?" I was just about to ask.
"You knew and you didn't say." Justin flared up his fists clenched up.
"Justin, wait."
"Jade, why didn't you tell me?"
"Justin, come in. You need to calm down."
"No, Jade. You knew, and you didn't say a freaking word."
"How was I meant to tell you, when you were asking to speak to her, that she was busy having sex with Wade? Justin, I wasn't going to break your heart, especially over the phone. It wasn't even my place."
"But you knew," he broke down. It hurt me to see him like that. I would never want to see myself putting Justin like that.
"I'm sorry, J, I am. It hurt me seeing her, knowing how upset you would be. You think I would want to see you like this?"
"No. I knew this would happen, but with Wade? That son of a bitch was supposed to be my friend!" I put a finger to his lips.
"J, don't swear."
He smiled, shaking his head. I sat him on the bed, resting his head on my chest, wrapping my arms round his body. We sat there for ages. My top was slightly damp from Justin tears.

                               ~*~*~*~

"Justin, your mama wants to talk to you," I told him, pulling away.
"She knows?"
"I hope you don't mind."
"Saves me from telling her and receiving a lecture."
"She wouldn't lecture about you. She's actually worried about you, same with mom."
Justin nodded. "Are you okay? You had a fight with Britney?" he asked, checking my face for any scratches or bruises.
"It was just pushing."
"On the floor."
"Forget me. When do you go back?"
"Tomorrow."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Lemme call Mama, then we can sort out what we're going to do."
I nodded.

We ended up staying in, talking about what he was going to do next.
"What about you?" Justin asked me.
"I'm just going to do my job, and then go home for my break." I answered.
"Have you talked to our moms about the stuff you got coming up?"
"Not yet. Mom just said we'll talk business wise later." Justin nodded obviously wanting to know more about me.  "But, she said I'll still be busy. What about you?" I asked smiling knowing *NSYNC had bigget better things happening.
"Well, mom said she might get Nelly and Pharrell to work on a couple of our songs."
"Omg, that's great!"
"Yeah. I have to think of somehow to thank her."
Yes. Our moms control our money and stuff. It's cool they are our managers. Justin of course has Johnny, but he has my mama helping him with what to do on the side, like his recent film, Model Behaviour.

"Oooh, what's that?" I picked up a notepad Justin had behind him.
"Nothing much. Just songs."

'Tell me what kind of girl
Would want to play me
Turn me down
And try to break me
Baby how could you betray me
After all I've done for you' I guess I know who that's about, but those are really good lyrics.

"Justin, will you sing it?"
"I don't know what tune yet."
"Just sing," I forced, smiling.

"Tell me what kind of girl
Would want to play me
Turn me down
And try to break me
Baby how could you betray me
After all I've done for you."

"That's really good. Is it going to go on the album?"
"Yeah. Show it to J.C, and see what he can come up with."
I nodded, smiling. "Got your bag?"
"Uh-huh. What time you up?" he asked.
"5am, can you believe it? For a concert in the evening.
"Why so early?"
"We have to do intense workout, fair enough. I have to 'cause I keep finding myself eating a whole box of ice cream."
"Why?"
"Just down sometimes, and food is my only comfort."
Justin cocked an eyebrow up, obviously not finding any of this true. "Why would you be down?"
"I don't really look forward to these tours with Britney, and I guess finding out how I did got me down too."
"Food is your comfort?"
"Yes. Why do you find this amusing?"
"Maybe because the phrase makes me think of people who are overweight, and you saying it just makes me laugh," he began to laugh even harder.
"It ain't funny! I'll end up with wiggly legs."
"Please, with those toned legs?"
I kept silent.
"Jade, you're not overweight." He poked my sides, tickling me.
"Okay, I'm not, but I will be."
"Did Britney call you fat?"
"She might've."
"Oh, Jade, why are you listening to her?"
"It just stayed in my mind, that's all."
"Jade, stop thinking like that."
"Okay, I have."
Justin hugged me, kissing my forehead.

To say Justin is over Britney would be a lie. Boy, the past months have been so hard and tough for all of us. Justin went back home. You would think Orlando. No, he went back to Shelby Forest. Stayed with his grandma and Big Pa. Yvette stayed with him, but Lynn stayed in Orlando. Justin would cry himself to sleep, and Yvette cried too. Of course, someone had to bring Justin back, and that was Yvette keeping Justin busy in the studio.

Both me and Lynn want to be there, but we know that's impossible. I've done my best comforting Justin, but there's only a certain amount I can do. I love Justin to bits, and it hurts me to see him like this. Well, I hardly will get to see him.

Lynn and Yvette though are the ones in pieces. They give up sometimes, not knowing what to do. The best we all can do is work. Keep our mind off things, and hopefully, Justin will be his normal self.

---

"Backstreet boys. Seriously? I smiled as i leant forward to look at the mail that had arrived for my mom to look at.
"Well, honey, it's a short tour by flight."
I nodded, reading the letters they had sent. "Wait till I tell Justin!"
"That's how much they're offering."
I nodded, accepting the amount.

Chapter 10 - Aftermath(Jade's Point Of View)

The past few days have been hard. I still hadn't told Justin, neither had I spoken to Britney, but today was the day. I was marching up to the cheating cow.
"Jade, where you going?" Kiara asked just stopping me as I marched my way to them in the corner.
"To talk to Britney and Wade."
"'Kay, see you on the bus." Kiara said as she hung her bag on her shoulder and began leaving the dance studio.

"Britney, hey. Can I talk to you?"
"Yeah, sure." Wade was just about to walk off.
"Oh, Wade, you might want to hear this too," I added, pointing to him.
"What's up?"
"What you're doing to Justin is wrong and unfair. Britney, you're his girlfriend, and Wade, you're his best friend. Two people who should never see themselves falling into each others arms, or in your case, in-between legs."

I continued, "I haven't told Justin 'cause I feel you should do it, one of you. I hope you apologise because he's going to be very upset. Personal addition, Britney, why would you do this to him again, after he forgave you, and Wade, his best friend, my friend. You really sold yourself out," I looked at them both, then shrugged and went off.

I decided to tell Kiara the down-low. Not for gossip, but for reassurance about what I did, and so she would know why if I give both of them the cold shoulder, not like I already haven't. Yeah, she was definitely shocked. At first she didn't believe me, but then realised I don't say things like that, and if it was her walking in boy there would be trouble now. All I have to wait for is them to tell him. They would tell him.

 

---

"Well, Jade?" Lynn asked on the phone.
"Mom, I'm not sure. It's been 3 days." I whispered as I stood by the Main exit door for the bus.
"Jade, you laid it down too nicely. You should've pulled her hair out." I glanced to the bedroom door then looked down again to hush my voice.
"It's really upset you hasn't it?"
"Yeah. Justin don't need these problems, and you know what he's like with trust." She sighed knowing what laid ahead for all of us.
"He has issues."
"Put it that way, yeah," she laughed lightly.
"It takes a lot to get him to love, or whatever."
"He hasn't called for the past 15 hours."
"It's only 15!" Lynn exclaimed making me pout and put on my whinging voice.
"But he calls loads. I'm going to go to Britney, since Wade has gone for a few days, as we have performance after performance."
"Okay, well, you let me know how it goes?" Lynn asked. I peered out my window, noticing a black hummer pull out.
"I wonder who that is."
"Who who is honey?"
I carried on watching as someone stepped out of the car, a very familiar Justin. "OMG, he's here, Mom!"
"Who?"
"Justin. He's going to the bus now."
"Sit tight and wait."
"I'm on her bus." I cried walking back and fourth between the living room and edging closer to her room.
"Oooh Jade, quickly, go to her now."
"I am," I put the phone down, knocking on her bedroom door.
"Come in."
"Britney."
"Jade, what?"
"I'm guessing you haven't told him."
"How would you know?"
"Because he's coming here right now."
"What do you mean?"
"He's here, outside."
"I haven't told him."
"Why is here?"
"Surprise visit maybe."
"Britney, you have to tell him."
"No. Just forget it, Jade."
"Forget it? You slept with Wade and I saw it!"
"Well shut up, and don't say shit." My eyes grew wide she was serious.
"You lying tramp!" I lashed out at her.
"Stop getting involved!" she slapped me back.
"Well, I didn't ask to see you both in bed. You expect me to shut up?"
"Yes. Justin wouldn't have to know."
"I KNOW, YOU IDIOT!"
"Don't call me an idiot!" she pushed her hands out at me, and we both fell on the floor.
"You cheating cow!" I pushed at her again.
"Fat virgin!"
"At least I don't give it up to just any guy!"

"Jade, Britney!" Justin cried, walking in on us, breaking us apart.
"What is going on?" Britney turned to look at me, sorting her hair out.
"Jade?"
"It ain't any of my business."
"Britney?"
"I'm not saying anything I don't want to."
"Will one of you say something? Why are you two fighting?"
"Britney, tell him."
"Tell me what?" Justin looked hard at Britney. She glanced at me and she began her fake crying.
"I slept with Wade," she confesed, looking down.
"You did what?"
"I had sex with Wade, Justin!" she cried.

I stared at Justin. His face, his emotions, had changed from worse to as if he couldn't go on. I could see the tears threatening to spill, but mostly he was angry.
"Justin," I whispered reaching out.
"Jade, go."
"But, Justin."
"Jade, please, just go," he whispered, turning his back on me. I nodded, getting my phone I left the bus.

"Jade."
"Mom."
"What the heck happened back there?"
"You heard?"
"Were you fighting?"
"Unfortunately it's spilled, and Justin told me to go."
"I hope he's okay."
"When I see him, I'll get him to call you."
"Thank you. Take care of him."
"I will. Bye," I shut my phone, going back to my bus.

---

 I opened my bedroom door. "Justin," I whispered, "are you...?" I was just about to ask.
"You knew and you didn't say." Justin flared up his fists clenched up.
"Justin, wait."
"Jade, why didn't you tell me?"
"Justin, come in. You need to calm down."
"No, Jade. You knew, and you didn't say a freaking word."
"How was I meant to tell you, when you were asking to speak to her, that she was busy having sex with Wade? Justin, I wasn't going to break your heart, especially over the phone. It wasn't even my place."
"But you knew," he broke down. It hurt me to see him like that. I would never want to see myself putting Justin like that.
"I'm sorry, J, I am. It hurt me seeing her, knowing how upset you would be. You think I would want to see you like this?"
"No. I knew this would happen, but with Wade? That son of a bitch was supposed to be my friend!" I put a finger to his lips.
"J, don't swear."
He smiled, shaking his head. I sat him on the bed, resting his head on my chest, wrapping my arms round his body. We sat there for ages. My top was slightly damp from Justin tears.

                               ~*~*~*~

"Justin, your mama wants to talk to you," I told him, pulling away.
"She knows?"
"I hope you don't mind."
"Saves me from telling her and receiving a lecture."
"She wouldn't lecture about you. She's actually worried about you, same with mom."
Justin nodded. "Are you okay? You had a fight with Britney?" he asked, checking my face for any scratches or bruises.
"It was just pushing."
"On the floor."
"Forget me. When do you go back?"
"Tomorrow."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Lemme call Mama, then we can sort out what we're going to do."
I nodded.

We ended up staying in, talking about what he was going to do next.
"What about you?" Justin asked me.
"I'm just going to do my job, and then go home for my break." I answered.
"Have you talked to our moms about the stuff you got coming up?"
"Not yet. Mom just said we'll talk business wise later." Justin nodded obviously wanting to know more about me.  "But, she said I'll still be busy. What about you?" I asked smiling knowing *NSYNC had bigget better things happening.
"Well, mom said she might get Nelly and Pharrell to work on a couple of our songs."
"Omg, that's great!"
"Yeah. I have to think of somehow to thank her."
Yes. Our moms control our money and stuff. It's cool they are our managers. Justin of course has Johnny, but he has my mama helping him with what to do on the side, like his recent film, Model Behaviour.

"Oooh, what's that?" I picked up a notepad Justin had behind him.
"Nothing much. Just songs."

'Tell me what kind of girl
Would want to play me
Turn me down
And try to break me
Baby how could you betray me
After all I've done for you' I guess I know who that's about, but those are really good lyrics.

"Justin, will you sing it?"
"I don't know what tune yet."
"Just sing," I forced, smiling.

"Tell me what kind of girl
Would want to play me
Turn me down
And try to break me
Baby how could you betray me
After all I've done for you."

"That's really good. Is it going to go on the album?"
"Yeah. Show it to J.C, and see what he can come up with."
I nodded, smiling. "Got your bag?"
"Uh-huh. What time you up?" he asked.
"5am, can you believe it? For a concert in the evening.
"Why so early?"
"We have to do intense workout, fair enough. I have to 'cause I keep finding myself eating a whole box of ice cream."
"Why?"
"Just down sometimes, and food is my only comfort."
Justin cocked an eyebrow up, obviously not finding any of this true. "Why would you be down?"
"I don't really look forward to these tours with Britney, and I guess finding out how I did got me down too."
"Food is your comfort?"
"Yes. Why do you find this amusing?"
"Maybe because the phrase makes me think of people who are overweight, and you saying it just makes me laugh," he began to laugh even harder.
"It ain't funny! I'll end up with wiggly legs."
"Please, with those toned legs?"
I kept silent.
"Jade, you're not overweight." He poked my sides, tickling me.
"Okay, I'm not, but I will be."
"Did Britney call you fat?"
"She might've."
"Oh, Jade, why are you listening to her?"
"It just stayed in my mind, that's all."
"Jade, stop thinking like that."
"Okay, I have."
Justin hugged me, kissing my forehead.

To say Justin is over Britney would be a lie. Boy, the past months have been so hard and tough for all of us. Justin went back home. You would think Orlando. No, he went back to Shelby Forest. Stayed with his grandma and Big Pa. Yvette stayed with him, but Lynn stayed in Orlando. Justin would cry himself to sleep, and Yvette cried too. Of course, someone had to bring Justin back, and that was Yvette keeping Justin busy in the studio.

Both me and Lynn want to be there, but we know that's impossible. I've done my best comforting Justin, but there's only a certain amount I can do. I love Justin to bits, and it hurts me to see him like this. Well, I hardly will get to see him.

Lynn and Yvette though are the ones in pieces. They give up sometimes, not knowing what to do. The best we all can do is work. Keep our mind off things, and hopefully, Justin will be his normal self.

---

"Backstreet boys. Seriously? I smiled as i leant forward to look at the mail that had arrived for my mom to look at.
"Well, honey, it's a short tour by flight."
I nodded, reading the letters they had sent. "Wait till I tell Justin!"
"That's how much they're offering."
I nodded, accepting the amount.

Chapter 11 - Mothers DayMothers day

I was taking a quick flight back to Orlando to spend mothers day with my mom and mama.
Early, as planned I walked into my house. I dropped my bag quietly, walking to the kitchen to prepare a very nice breakfast for them both. I heard the fridge open, and clanging from the bottles. NO! One of them had woken up early! I decided to surprise one of them. I tiptoed to the fridge, hugging tightly whichever mama it was. They screamed.

"Justin!" I cried, jumping, letting go of him.
"What are you doing here?" he hissed.
"I could ask you the same thing." I whispered back.
"I asked first." He said folding his arms.
"Surprising our moms on Mother's Day. What are you doing here?"
"Same. I thought you couldn't make it."
"Decoy. Wait, you said the same thing."
"Decoy. Great minds think alike." Justin said so smugly as he nodded his head.
"I know what you mean."

There was a pause, and me and Justin jumped into a hug.
"I missed you."
"I missed you lots more."
"How's it going?"
"It's good, I'm good thank you, Jade."
I nodded, smiling of course. Justin is alright, he's Justin. No need to worry. "How's the album?"
"It's amazing. It's just crazy."
"Okay, stop squeezing me. They'll wake up."

We parted, laughing lightly.
"When do you go?" he asked placing his things on the kitchen tops.
"Tomorrow morning. You?"
"Late evening. So, what were you doing?"
"Drinking milk. I was going to make them my famous blueberry pancakes. You?"
"Cook them breakfast and take them out for the day."
"Where to?"
"Pampering and shopping."
"Pampered here."
"Cool."

See how quick and easy it is for me and Justin to agree on things? We definitely are best friends. Justin did decorations as I cooked the food. Justin took a tray of food to his mama, and I took a tray to my mama, knowing they loved cooked breakfast in bed, especially since their child said they weren't going to be here. I walked in.

"Mama."
My mama was a light sleeper. so she was sitting up straight away. "Jade, OMG, when did you get here?" She tied her hair up, pushing it away from her face.
"Couple of hours ago," I sat down on the bed next to her, giving her the tray.
"Did you cook this?"
"Uh-huh," I nodded proudly.
She took a bite, "Mmm," she took her time eating the food, as she was more concerned about me getting here on my own.

"Come on, Mama. Get ready."
"Ready for what?"
"Just do it, and don't ask questions."
"Okay, okay." She got out of bed, "Let me take this downstairs."
"I'll do that. Go into the bathroom. That's right, no pit stops!" I laughed when she stuck her tongue out at me, before entering and shutting the door. I skipped downstairs, dumping the dirty plates, and went back to my own bedroom to have a shower and also get ready. Hopefully my mama was using the gift basket I left in there for her, and trying all the soaps and oils.

"My bag!" I cried, forgetting it. Tying the towel around me tight, I opened my door, walking across the landing to go downstairs, shivering as my bare feet touched the floor. I closed my eyes, going in search of my bag. Finally finding it, I walked back upstairs. Noticing Justin's door opened, I went to say a quick hello.

"How's it going?" I asked, as he cleared his desk.
"Good. She's in the shower. You?"
"Same. I'm just going in."
He looked up to me, smiling. Noticing me in just a towel, his eyes widened a bit, then relaxed.
"Okay, they should be here in 20 minutes or so."
"'Kay, thanks," he nodded, going back to the desk, and I went to my bedroom.

~*~*~ "Justin!" my mama cried, noticing him.
"Mom, happy Mother's Day!" he hugged her.
"Thank you. Ah, did you make the pancakes?" she asked, realising.
"Yeah, how do you know?"
"Blueberry is your speciality, so you've been here too."

"Jade!" Lynn cried, shocked. It was all coming out now.
"Did you guys tell a white lie?"
"We wanted to surprise you."
"You both planned it?"
"We didn't actually. I was shocked to see Justin," I hugged Lynn, whispering, "Happy Mothers Day."
"We thought we would be lonely."
"We wouldn't leave you," I hugged them both again.
"If you lovely ladies would follow me," Justin is looking crisp. He led us to what was our conservatory, but now a beauty parlour place. There was a chocolate fountain, two massaging beds, flowers, nail area.
I looked at Justin, shocked, "You sorted this out?"
"Uh-huh, you like?" he smiled.
I hit him lightly on the stomach, looking around, smiling at the three people setting up in uniform.

"Wow, you guys. This looks great!" Lynn said, happily.
"Yeah. Is this just for us?" Yvette asked, me and Justin nodded.
"Thank you," they both said, grateful.
"You're welcome," we replied, giving them a kiss on the cheek each.

Justin bent over the kitchen tops. I crept up behind him, just as I was going to scare him.
"Hi Jade," he whispered.
"How did you know I was there?"
"I can hear you easily. You give it away."
"That's okay. I wasn't going to scare you," I poked at his sides. It must be a family thing, 'cause everyone did it to each other.
"Jade, I'm laughing at you 'cause youÕre silly."
"Thanks. Wanna play tag?" I asked him.
He suddenly became quiet, arching one eyebrow up. "Tag!" he cried, running away.
"That's not fair, you cheat!" I chased after him. There were soo many hiding places in this big house.

"Jade!" Justin called.
I giggled to myself, hiding in Lynn's room. Hearing him go past the room, I opened the door slightly, watching as he went in Yvette's room first. I crept out, going to the guest bathroom, hiding in the shower for a few moments, deciding outside was the best. Going down the other staircase, I sent a text to Justin saying 'can you find me?' I went through the living room, to the conservatory.

"Having fun?"
"Yes."
"Honey, are you playing tag in the house?"
"Of course not. At my age? Please!" I waved a hand in the air.
"Why, has Justin gone past?" I searched behind and in front of me, like a detective.
"Some time ago."
I nodded, "Good."
"Wait, Jade."
"Nope, gotta run. Chat to you later." I ran out into the garden, suddenly being chased by the two dogs, "Holy macromony, Toto, Chopper!" I calmed them down, letting them follow me. I hope it didn't get Justin to come down.

~*~*~ Still playing, of course I'm really tired out. Justin has chased me non-stop.
"Justin!" I cried.
He came running to my aid.
"Sych," I laughed.
He ran back out, and somehow the door was closing, and I went straight into it, falling back with a thud. I opened my eyes at Justin looking down at me.

"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm cool."
"What is wrong with you? Why are you so clumsy? How did you walk into the door?"
"Woah, too many questions at once."
"Who walks straight into a door like that?"
"Jade Hart. Help me up."
Justin picked me up, carrying me downstairs to our moms.

"Why did you bring me here?"
"Jade, what's wrong?" Lynn asked.
"She walked straight into a door."
"Lie her down here," Yvette patted on the bed, which was empty. Justin laid me down.

"I'm alright you know."
"Straight into the door? Lynn asked again, about to laugh.
"Yes, and fell backwards, but I'm okay."
"Jade, you didn't see the door?" Lynn asked again, giggling.
"It just shut. I'm okay."
"I think I should get her some ice."
"Justin, I'm okay. Maybe we shouldn't play tag," I suggested.
"You don't say?"
I rolled my eyes at him, resting.
"Do you want a massage?" Justin asked.
I gave him a questioning look. Shall I let him? "Knock yourself out...literally," I laughed.
"Like what you did?" Justin asked, as I got off to change.
"Yup, but really hard," I laughed.

Lying back down with the towel wrapped around me, Justin added some oils to his hand and began massaging my shoulders, back, toes, thighs.
"Justin, you're deliberately tickling me," I laughed, as the masseuses exited for a break.

Yvette and Lynn glanced at each other, "You two stop it," they both said.
"What did we do?"
"Besides you being loud," Yvette placed a hand on her hip, "We find your noises disturbing."
Justin and me burst out laughing, "Oh well, Justin, harder!"
"Harder?" Justin questioned.
"Yes!" I cried, "Baby, do it harder!"
"How 'bout this?"
"Oh yeah, just right."
"Who's your daddy? Say it. Who's your daddy?"
"J, you're my daddy!" after that, me and Justin were in hysterics at the disgusted faces our moms gave us.
"Justin is understandable, but Jade, you haven't had sex."
I rolled my eyes at Lynn "It doesnÕt take a genius to know what noise effects are made, and can we not talk about this? It's making me uncomfortable," I whispered, pouting.
"You and Justin had your little role-play going on there," Lynn smiled.
"End of that conversation!" I interrupted, stretching.

"Lynn, does it feel like the stress has been lifted off your shoulder?" Lynn and Yvette began talking.
"Yes, definitely. I could dance around."
"Shall we?" I asked, excited.
They all turned to me with serious, strict looks.
"Ya'll are mean to the small one," I pouted.
Justin gave me a hug.

"Justin, my towel will fall off if you're not careful."
He backed away.
I jumped off to get changed. "Finally, thank you, Justin, I really appreciate the massage."
"Anytime."
I kissed his cheek, then kissed both my moms and went upstairs.

Orlando - In my new place - August
(Jade's Point Of View)

I opened the door, slightly annoyed about my intrusion.
"Jade, hey, how you been?" Justin smiled, hugging me. He lifted me off my feet.
"Justin, what are you doing here?" I asked once I was down on level floor.
"Came to say hi."
"I swear I told you I'm eating dinner, I'm going out."
"You're going out?" he cried shocked, shutting the door.
"Uh-huh and you're interrupting."
"Well, sorry for being a brother and coming to see my little sister."
"I saw you yesterday. Stop being a big baby." I laughed, tying my robe tighter. I pulled a chair out from my dining table to sit. Justin immediately went to the TV, occupying himself with my TV. I rolled my eyes as he ignored me, "Great you came by. I'll see you some other time, during rehearsals maybe," I rushed.
"What's the rush?" he asked. His listening is down to zero at this moment.
"I'm going out," I stressed, repeating myself.
"So you say, you were going to bed?" oh he's in a silly mood.
"Justin, do you know how annoying you're being?" I was about to carry on when he interrupted, looking me over.
"Why are you naked underneath that robe?"
I blushed lightly, "For the love of goodies, I'm going out to meet up with Paul at his hotel. Now get out, so I can go," I pointed to the door.
"Do your moms know?" he had a very serious look on his face now.
"Know what?" I asked, sighing.
"That you're losing your virginity tonight."
"Who said anything like that?"
"Oh come on Jade, it's me. You've told me everything. What could you do at a hotel that you can't do here in your bedroom?"
"J, please, it might not even happen."
"I thought you wanted to get married."
He wasn't going to make me forget. This man is incredible! "Or wait a long time for the right time," I countered.
"This is wrong," Justin got up, pacing up and down my living room.
"Why do Mom, Mama and you tell me otherwise?"
"Because we know best!" Justin cut in... and they always make me feel like a child, when I'm not.
"So do I. I want to. With him."
"Please promise me you won't."
"I don't want to, I'm 20."
"And don't have sex till you're 30."
"Go!" enough was enough, I'm kicking him out now.
"Jade..." My face hasn't changed. "...okay, but don't do it now, promise."
"You best pray I don't murder you in your sleep."
"But we would be separated."
"Joy, I'm free!"
"Hey, do you want to be separated?"
"No, but you should stop stopping me from doing things," I sighed, sitting beside him.
"Jade, you just couldn't."
"Why?" I asked, folding my arms.
"Because."
"Because what?"
"I love you. I love you too much to see you get hurt." As powerful and meaningful as that sounded, it wasn't at the exact point of emotional tears.
"That is a line, you practised it in the mirror."
"Has great affect though."
"So you say."

We both jumped at the door being opened. Justin looked at the door, then to me with a frown on his face.
"How come I haven't got a key?" Justin asked, whinging. I walked towards the door.

"Jade, as sexy you look, we gotta go."
"Umm okay, I'll just see to Justin."
"Are we not going then?" Paul asked, obviously jumping to conclusion; I wish he wouldn't do that.
"We are. Justin just dropped by, but now he's leaving," I quickly walked back, pulling him out and hustling him out to the door.
"Jade, why you so rough with a brother?"
"Because you've pissed him off again by being here."
Justin rolled his eyes, "Don't do it, Jade."
"That's another thing, the reason why it's at a hotel is because my room is tainted."
"Tainted how?"
"By you. All your stuff is in there."
He didn't seem to care, "Oh well, you have fun...not too much," he smirked.
"Yeah, whatever."
"You look good," his eyebrows went up and down, smiling.
"In hardly anything...you're such a guy!" I rolled my eyes, covering the part of my bare chest with my arms.
"I was trying to support you but, bye."
"Justin," I laughed, hugging him, "I'll call you tomorrow," I whispered.
"General chat, no special news."
"Yes, whatever," I waved him away, going back to my boyfriend, with a smile playing on my cherry lips.

---

(Justin's Point Of View)

I sat at home, all lonely without Jade. I quickly got my phone, texting Jade, 'a promise is a promise', just in case Paul reads it. Ha-ha! Won't understand my cryptic words. Just as I put my phone down, my doorbell rang. Great, this better not be one of those nights, especially since I had no call from the front gate to say I had a visitor. I opened the door.

"Justin," she whispered, tears streaming down her face.

---

"Jade, you're still wet. You should change," I told her, trying my best to get her warm and dry.
"No, I want to go home."
"Not before you tell me what happened." The worst came to mind, "He didn't rape you, did he?" I had to ask.
"No, I'm STILL a virgin. He broke up with me in the car. It was the last straw. He couldn't keep waiting. I was stringing him along. If I wasn't going to do it tonight, when? I'm such a fat virgin!" she dramatically said.
"Jade, that's hilarious!" I laughed, as she smiled a small smile.
"Whatever," she began to pout.
"How did you get here?" I asked, wondering why she was soaked to the core.
"Walked. I told him to just leave me by the road."
"Which road?"
"Calver," she whispered, obviously knowing I would get mad.
"That's ages away! That mo-fo...," she placed a finger on my lips, "...left you in the rain, in the dark, to make your way home. Something could've happened to you!"
"Guess it didn't"
"Jade, you alright?" I asked, really worried about her. Life had been sucked out of her. Her eyes were dark and sad.
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"Telling me not to."
"But Jade, look what happened."
"I can see. I'm just going to go home, eat ice-cream, drown in my sorrows about being dumped."
"Jade, you have your morals," I reminded her.
"I'm just a big, fat loser with no life. I'm boring."
"Are not."
"Are too. I'm going to borrow a car, I'll bring it back," she moved to get off my lap.
"No you don't, you're staying here. You're at a vulnerable stage and no-one is going to get a chance at taking advantage...We can eat ice-cream together."
"Boring, Jade," she repeated, still looking straight ahead.
"You are NOT boring!" I stressed.
"Sorry Mr Famous, every second of my life is spontaneous. Nobody wants me."
"Jade, come here," I hugged her tight.

"Justin, what do I do?" she asked, tears still falling.
"Pick yourself up. You're single, free and looking."
"No, my eyes are closed," we both laughed gently.

"Bounce back, Jade."
"Not tonight."
"Yes, tonight. Find something upstairs, we're going out."
"Justin."
"Jade, you take too long," I picked her up, carrying her up the stairs to her bedroom.
"You change. I'll be back in 10 minutes, no more, maybe less." I winked and she instantly knew what it meant.

---

In the car...

"Miami, Justin?"
"Yeah, whatever, it's gonna be great. I booked us a hotel."
"Justin, this is crazy."
"You're not boring, far from it. Clubs, here we come!" I cried, smiling.

---

In the club...

"Justin, I only have a couple of hours 'till I pass out."
"I did all the driving, but yeah, now let's heat the dance floor."
"Justin, we are not breaking out any moves are we?"
"Yes. Shake what our mamas gave you!"

---

Hotel...

"Thank you, Justin."
"No problemo. Don't know about you, but I'm hitting the sack."
"Good night."
"Night, Tinkerbell. I'm next door if you want me," I hugged her tight.

                                ~*~*~(Jade's Point Of View)

"Justin, it's my mama."
"Let me answer," Justin took the phone, putting it on loudspeaker.
"Hi mom, how are you?" Justin said a bit too quickly, nervousness was showing.
"Hey honey, I'm good. How are you?" she added, a bit of emphasis on the last three words, causing Justin to glance at me quickly.
"I'm good, what's up?"
"Nothing much, beside the fact you and Jade are MISSING!" Lynn cried down the phone, making us all laugh.
"It ain't funny. What happened to you guys coming over, huh? Well?"
"We're in Miami, Mom," I answered, helping Justin.
"MIAMI?!"
"Did you both get drunk and drive around Florida?"
"No, we went partying."
"Is Justin there?"
"Yeah."
"Justin, how dare you take Jade across town to Miami to party! She aint even 21!"
"Well, she fooled them."
"Justin!" they both shouted at him.
"Okay, sorry, but we didn't drink."
"I bet you didn't."
"We didn't, honest!"
"So why Miami?"
"We will talk over dinner."
"What makes you think we will cook dinner for you trekkers?"
"Because you love us and we love you."
"Fair enough."
"Well, see you tonight."
"Bye," me and Justin chirped.

"So, you cooking my breakfast?" he asked, looking at me eager.
"Lunch, and no, you are old enough to do it yourself."
"I can't cook, Jade."
"Well, you should've listened to Mama and Mom when they taught us."
"Mom still tries to teach me."

"Well, you can't even find food in your fridge."
"Jade you've woken up in a bad mood. You hating on me."
"Yeah, and what," I cried, laughing.

"What did I do this time?"
"Do you ever wonder how we are so compatible?"
"Our moms are best friends, and we come from a single parent background."
"Beside that."
"We always clicked."
"No, we're opposites."
"No way am I opposite to you!"
"We are! There is so much difference I wonder why I haven't strangled you."
"Jade, I never knew you felt so strongly about our relationship," he replied, smiling.
"We are so odd. Not everybody have 2 moms...I guess we are weird, but I am way more mature than you."
"Keep thinking that sister!"
"I will. So, favorites for lunch?" I asked, walking to the kitchen.
"Just how I like it."
"You were so spoilt!"
"Was not! We may have been the only child, but I was always compared to you...be more neat, take your shoes off, say please and learn how to cook," Justin breathed out, still staring at me, smiling. "Nothing to spark rivalry."
"Of course not, I love you too much."
"Sure you do."
"I do! I didn't let you lose the most precious thing to a dick head like Paul."
I placed a finger to his lips. I laughed, watching him roll his eyes. "Justin, you didn't, thank you, but maybe if you kept your nose out and let me lose it, I would be with him."
"Would you want to be with a guy who just wanted you for sex?"
"No, that's why I still thank you."
"You're welcome. You're smart for waiting."
"Justin, you waited."
"A year. I was sixteen. Just made it, legally. Nothing compared to the four years past the legal age, but as long as you promise to lose your virginity on your honeymoon, I will be ecstatic."
"I promise. It's not like I don't in the end."
"Jade, you know you wanna smile."
"I'm smiling. We're such goofballs!"
"Goofy is sexy."
"So you say, so you say, Justin."

We looked at each other for a moment then burst out laughing, like it was on cue.
"Stop crying!" he whined.
"Tears of joy."
"If our moms knew how much I've made you cry, they would hate me."
"But I love you, Justin, my lil bubby."
"My Tinkerbell."

~*~*~(Justin's Point of View)

"Tastes good," Jade smiled, eating her food.
"Good? This food is heavenly!"
"Pancakes, maple syrup and strawberries."
"But nothing tops apple jacks."
"I have had to live with those things my whole life, I'm not going back."
"You will if you love me."
"I'm going to stop loving very soon."
"You wouldn't!" I gasped.
"I would. Everything I've ever promised I, will break. Especially losing my virginity, and I will become pregnant."
I sat there, mouth open wide, then my lips formed a smile, "See that is funny, but Jade, our relationship is very special."
"Blah d blah," she cut me off, rudely.
"Jade, I'm talking. As I was saying, Jade, what is with you today? Bad mood, talking, clown face."
"Clown face? I'll show you clown face!" she squirted maple syrup in my mouth.

I got up, pulling her out of the hotel room, locking the door, "Who's the clown outside?"
"Justin, you ain't gonna leave me out of the hotel in pyjamas."
"Don't let the paparazzi see you!"
"Justin, I ain't gonna start yelling my mouth, open the door! What if a rapist comes past?"
"Scream, baby, scream."
"Justin, please, I said it."
I opened the door, letting her come in.
"I hate you," she muttered.
"I love you."
"If you love me you will stay in the living room and let me shower, and won't pretend to come in," she reminded me.
"I wouldn't dare."
"Shut up Justin, you horny..."
"Me a what? Jade, you never swear!"
"Because it's not necessary."
"Okay, you have a long bath."
"Bath would be better wouldn't it?"
"It would, with that walking to my house."
"Let's just forget Paul. He ain't part of my life."
"Shit like that don't go away overnight, Jade. He was gonna be your first, you had been dating for a good two years. I don't want you to be strong," I confessed.
"Justin, I love him. I can't believe he would do this," her voice was cracking.
"Jade, why did you let me bring you here?"
"It was a good idea. You ARE meant to bounce back."
"Jade, you bath, then we'll go home," I gave her a hug, then let her go through to her bathroom.

The trip took longer than expected, but we did call to say we'll be late. Jade was awfully quiet. She only really spoke if I asked her something, or if she wanted something.
"Justin, can you do something for me?"
"Yeah, anything."
"Can you tell our moms?"
"If you want, but don't you think it should come out of your mouth?"
"If you tell them I'll explain."

"Are you coming on tour?"
"Yeah, dance captain. Shoot, I wouldn't drop that because of Paul!" I smiled. She still had her pride and sense of humour.
"That's good to hear. How's dance captain been going?"
"Tough, having Annalisia."
"Are you okay with Kristen and Dianna?"
"Yeah, we don't have problems with each other anymore, but you know you're going to get bitchiness and cat fights," she told me.
I nodded my head, shocked to hear about the dancers doing that.
"Annalisia just adores you and she don't like that I'm good friends with you, and she especially hates that I'm dance captain. She thinks that you had something to do with it...You don't, do you? I'd hate that they didn't pick me because I don't have skill."
"I had no clue whatsoever."
"Good."
I thought she might say something else, but she was silent. I parked the car outside the house. I looked over at Jade who smiled. Surprisingly, she leaned over kissing my cheek.

We walked up the path to the house, ringing the doorbell.

"Hey ya'll," Yvette cried, happily. She was in a very good mood.
"Hey," we replied, hugging her. We entered the house. The table was laid out as if we were having a dinner party. I followed Jade to the kitchen.
"No, straight to the table," Yvette rushed us to the table, me sitting next to Jade.
"Hey ya guys!" Lynn chirped, sitting down, followed by Yvette.
"Hi," we sat and prayed, and began to tuck in.

I felt Jade hit my leg slightly. I looked at her but she had her head down. I looked opposite me as Lynn glanced at me. I furrowed my brow in confusion and carried on eating. Jade poked at my side again but this time she looked directly at me. Oh I get it! I smiled as she rolled her eyes.

"Ahem," I coughed, getting their attention. They stopped, looking at me.
"Yes?" they both said quietly.
"I need to tell you something."
"I knew this would happen," Lynn moaned, putting her knife and fork down.
"Is she pregnant?" Yvette asked.
"Who, Cameron?" I wondered.
"Yes!" they both cried.
"No," I shook my head.
"You're planning on getting married?"
"No."
"Jade's pregnant?" they asked sceptically.
"No!" she cried.
"Then what?"
"Well..."
"Last night, Paul broke up with Jade," I whispered. Their eyes widened and their smiles were replaced with sadness.
"Aww honey, are you okay?"
"Yeah. I talked with Justin."
"What brought that on?"
"I don't really want to talk about it," Jade put her head down again, watching her food.

I looked up, watching my moms smile, glance at each other, shrug, then sigh. Were they happy she broke up with Paul? Then again, so was I. Good riddance to that! I coughed, and coughed again.
"Shit!" I cried. Was I losing my voice? I just realised what I had said...It was very silent. I looked up.
"Justin!" Lynn glared at me.
"Sorry, but I thought I was losing my voice, I get very scared."
"You were just coughing. Stop over exaggerating."
"Am not."
"Still doesn't excuse your bad language. Go on say the Lord's Prayer!"
"Mama, come on, I'm 21!"
"Am I being harsh?" Lynn asked Yvette.
I showed her my puppy dog eyes.
"Well Lynn, the man is..."
Lynn glared hard at her.
"Justin, you said a very bad word. Now, go!" she pointed, smiling.
I rolled my eyes.
"That's 10 Lord's prayers, Justin Timberlake!"
I shook my head, looking over at Jade who was creasing up laughing.

I stood up, standing but the fireplace with my back turned, saying the Lord's Prayer quietly, something me and Jade did when we were naughty. Of course, I was up there more than Jade. I can't actually remember her being here, goody two shoes!

"I can't hear you!"
"Mama, please, I'm sorry!" I begged. Hearing the silence, I continued 'till I was finished, walking back in with a frown. "I'm very sorry family, I should know better than to say the devil's words," I apologised with a hint of smile on my lips.
"We accept the apology, but go on do the dishes."
"WHAT?...Women! All three of ya'll are mean to the poor guy that has to live with you!" I pointed to each one of them, taking their plates.

~*~*~Some time later...

"Tomorrow are we cleaning the house?"
"Garage sale."
"You're selling my things?" I cried, ready to protest.
"No, a small garage sale. The money goes to your charity," Lynn explained.
"Justin Timberlake Foundation?"
"What else?"
"No need to be feisty, Mama."
"Well, it's not like you're going to be here."
"Actually, I will. So there!" I stuck my tongue out at Lynn. I watched Jade yawn and sit back on the sofa, almost asleep.
"No you don't," I picked her up.
"Justin, I'm tired."
"Where to?"
"My house," I nodded.

"Give your daughter her kissie bye-byes. We're going."
They kissed her forehead, "We're on the other side of the phone when you need us."
"Uh-huh. Come on then, Justin, take me home".
"Of course, Tinkerbell." I carried her outside to the car, placing her in the passenger seat, taking her home.